rank and file
noun
1
: the enlisted personnel of an armed force
2
: the individuals who constitute the body of an organization, society, or nation as distinguished from the leaders
Synonyms
Examples of rank and file in a Sentence
the chosen few might have the opportunity for a trip in the space shuttle, but it will be a while before the rank and file are taking space trips
Recent Examples on the Web
The losers, FilmLA noted, are rank and file industry workers.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024
But many rank and file union members were unhappy with the offer, which fell short of the 40% raise and pension changes that the union was seeking.
—Russell Lewis, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024
Ortberg issued a statement to union members Wednesday evening asking for their support, but conceded rank and file hold a lot of anger toward the company.
—Chris Isidore and Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN, 12 Sep. 2024
So, there is a great appetite for the fight with our rank and file members.
—CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rank and file 
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2024
But many rank and file union members were unhappy with the offer, which fell short of the 40% raise and pension changes that the union was seeking.
—Russell Lewis, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024
Ortberg issued a statement to union members Wednesday evening asking for their support, but conceded rank and file hold a lot of anger toward the company.
—Chris Isidore and Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN, 12 Sep. 2024
So, there is a great appetite for the fight with our rank and file members.
—CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rank and file
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rank and file.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near rank and file
Cite this Entry
“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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