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 adjective
rank and filer noun

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.
Faced with the union’s demand of 40%, Boeing offered 25% (an amount originally accepted by IAM leadership) which was turned down almost unanimously by rank and file. Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 But some rank and file auto workers also held a pro-Trump rally. ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024 Since 2019, Nvidia’s stock has soared 3,000% — minting millionaires among its rank and file. Allison Morrow, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024 While rank and file employees certainly have their own struggles, managers are feeling all the same stresses, along with more responsibilities and less support. L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near rank and file

Cite this Entry

“Rank and file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rank%20and%20file. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!