What does flanking mean?
"Flanking" is the present participle of the verb "to flank" and describes being positioned at, or moving along, the side of something. In its most common modern use it appears in descriptive language: columns, trees, guards, or statues are said to be flanking a door, a stage, or a dignitary, usually implying a symmetrical arrangement on either side. The word also retains a strong military sense, where a flanking movement involves circling around the side of an enemy force to attack it where its defenses are weakest — one of the oldest and most celebrated maneuvers in warfare. Derived ultimately from Old French "flanc," meaning the side of a body, the word entered English in the medieval period alongside military vocabulary. Its figurative range extends to politics and sport, where "flanking" can describe sidestep strategies that avoid direct confrontation.
Positioned at or serving as the side or sides of something; also, executing a movement against the side of an enemy force.
"Lion statues stood flanking the grand staircase."
Most often used with plural subjects or paired elements to indicate symmetric placement.
A military maneuver involving movement around the side of an enemy position to attack it from a vulnerable angle.
"The battalion's flanking caught the defenders entirely by surprise."
Usually found in the phrases "flanking attack," "flanking movement," or "flanking fire."
The word for the military move that decided countless battles comes from the same Old French root as the "flange" on a pipe — both mean simply "the side."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of flanking
"Flanking" derives from "flank," which entered English from Old French "flanc," meaning the fleshy side of a person or animal between the ribs and the hip. The Old French term is generally traced to Frankish, a Germanic language, sharing a root with Old High German "flancha." The military sense of attacking an enemy's side developed early in English usage, while the sense of objects positioned at either side of something became common in later descriptive English.
Related word forms
How flanking is actually used
"Flanking" is most common as the present participle of the verb "flank," typically describing symmetrical placement on either side of something (often in architectural or formal description) — e.g., "statues flanking the doorway." In military contexts it carries connotations of tactical skill and surprise; in everyday use it is neutral and slightly formal.
Easily confused with flanking
"Franking" refers to stamping or marking mail to indicate prepayment of postage, whereas "flanking" concerns positioning at or attacking the sides of something.