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
Amid tough talk from both sides of the aisle about who’s to blame for the partial government shutdown, bipartisan talks began to take shape as the rank and file sought a way out of the impasse.
—
Cq Roll Call, Boston Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
But suffice to say, given the rank and file of the club, let’s hope those fancy guests really take the opportunity to challenge and inspire.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
As word of the explosion circulated within the rank and file of Haiti’s beleaguered national police force on Tuesday afternoon, witnesses reported non-stop shooting from inside the SWAT base next to the headquarters of the Haiti National Police.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2025
Although endorsed by labor management, the rank and file rejected the initial offer of a 20% wage increase and a $5,000 acceptance bonus.
—Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
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Cq Roll Call, Boston Herald, 2 Oct. 2025
But suffice to say, given the rank and file of the club, let’s hope those fancy guests really take the opportunity to challenge and inspire.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025
As word of the explosion circulated within the rank and file of Haiti’s beleaguered national police force on Tuesday afternoon, witnesses reported non-stop shooting from inside the SWAT base next to the headquarters of the Haiti National Police.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2025
Although endorsed by labor management, the rank and file rejected the initial offer of a 20% wage increase and a $5,000 acceptance bonus.
—Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
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 21 Oct. 2025.
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