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
Other records previously released show that Lede also analyzed news articles before and after the Palisades fire — the goal was to get a sort of vibe check of LAFD from the public — and found criticism of department leadership as well as support for the rank and file.
—
Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
The logic is not lost on the rank and file.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
What does removing someone like him do to the officer ranks and to the rank and file overall?
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 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
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Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
The logic is not lost on the rank and file.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026
What does removing someone like him do to the officer ranks and to the rank and file overall?
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 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
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 Apr. 2026.
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