rank and file

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Regrown forests, especially with monoculture commercial saplings planted rank and file, may never achieve the splendid complexity of virgin forests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

But the rank and file, the “MAHA moms,” can be divided into two broad categories, which we’ll call the individualists and the structuralists.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

The turnover has led to rapid elevations for some commanders who are less experienced and are likely to be preoccupied with stabilizing morale and enforcing loyalty across the rank and file.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

But among the rank and file, there is continued frustration with the department’s disciplinary system.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Then, in the third place, the Owsla had lately lost a certain amount of respect among the rank and file.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams