rank and file

noun

Synonyms of rank and filenext
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 How to pronounce rank and file (audio)
adjective
rank and filer
ˌraŋk-ᵊn-ˈfī-lər How to pronounce rank and file (audio)
noun

Synonyms of rank and file

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The notion that there is widespread fraud in the system is far more prevalent among the Republican rank and file, more so than others. — Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026 But the motivation among the industry’s rank and file, irrespective of their place of work, does not seem to be primarily financial. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 While state law enforcement agencies will get 4% raises, the budget includes no raises for the 100,000 or so rank and file state workers. — Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Compromise with police union The notion of tweaking retirement rules for police leadership initially ruffled feathers among the police department’s rank and file. — Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rank and file

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rank and file was in 1598

Rhymes for rank and file

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Browse Nearby Words

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rank and file
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Cite this Entry

“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on rank and file

Nglish: Translation of rank and file for Spanish Speakers

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