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

An orderly transition would require assistance from the rank and file.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

He is a strong advocate on behalf of rank and file police officers.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

By 1957, most of the old union leaders had followed the Captain into retirement, and a new crop was eager to show their worth to the rank and file.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam