the rank and file
noun
1
: the people in the army, navy, air force, etc., who are not officers
2
: the members of a group or organization who are not leaders
The rank and file is/are unhappy with the chairman's decision.
Examples of the rank and file in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Doyle said part of the secretary’s job is to set the tone for the agency so the rank and file know what is expected of them.
—
Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
As the rank and file busy themselves with AI helpers, the c-suite is lining its own pockets.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
Now, more than ever, Armenian filmmakers are moving from the rank and file of production to helming beautiful, evocative stories that illuminate their unique cultural experiences and provide audiences with a window into new worlds.
—Alexis Alexanian, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Laurent Yoon, media analyst with Bernstein, sees WBD as a necessity for Paramount but one that will not be easy on the rank and file tasked with running the businesses.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the rank and file
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Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
As the rank and file busy themselves with AI helpers, the c-suite is lining its own pockets.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 26 Mar. 2026
Now, more than ever, Armenian filmmakers are moving from the rank and file of production to helming beautiful, evocative stories that illuminate their unique cultural experiences and provide audiences with a window into new worlds.
—Alexis Alexanian, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Laurent Yoon, media analyst with Bernstein, sees WBD as a necessity for Paramount but one that will not be easy on the rank and file tasked with running the businesses.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the rank and file
Cite this Entry
“The rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20rank%20and%20file. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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