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

rank-and-file

ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī(-ə)l 

adjective

rank and filer

ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī-lər 

noun

Synonyms

• public
• populace
• crowd
• people
• mass
• millions
• mob

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

Debbie Strickling-Bullock becomes first woman to chair the trustees at the Sunday School Publishing Board, marking notable leadership shifts amid ongoing crisis among National Baptists' rank and file. —Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

But if rank and file enemies are scaled too high, why would their accompanying bosses not be accidentally scaled too high as well? —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

President Trump benefited from the enthusiasm that people like Bongino and Bondi were able to generate among MAGA’s rank and file. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2025

Weiner concludes his book by expressing his faith in the agency’s rank and file, but with a clear sense of foreboding. —Keith Gessen, New Yorker, 16 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rank and file

• campanile
• chrysotile
• domicil
• domicile
• mercantile
• neuropil
• nonpareil
• percentile
• peristyle
• reconcile
• thermopile
• aisle

Kids Definition

rank and file

noun

1

: the enlisted persons of one of the armed forces

2

: the ordinary members that make up the body of a group when considered apart from the leaders

Legal Definition

rank and file

noun

: the general membership of a union