Pronunciation: [flˈaŋkə] (IPA) 
The word "flanker" is spelled with the letters F-L-A-N-K-E-R. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is pronounced as /ˈflæŋkər/. The first sound is the "fl" blend, followed by the short vowel sound "a" as in "cat". The "ng" sound is represented by the two letters "ng" together, and the final sound is "kər" which represents the "ker" sound at the end. "Flanker" is a noun that refers to a position in a sports team or military unit.
Flanker is a noun that primarily refers to a position or role in team sports, particularly rugby and American football. A flanker is an offensive or defensive player who lines up on the side of the scrimmage line, outside the group of players known as the front row or offensive line. In rugby, a flanker is typically positioned on the outer edges of the scrum, either on the blind side or open side of play, and is responsible for securing the ball or disrupting the opposing team's attack. They often possess a high level of physicality, strength, and agility to excel in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game.
In American football, a flanker is a wide receiver who lines up either on the line of scrimmage or slightly behind it, and often on the outermost ends of the offensive formation. They are frequently involved in pass-catching plays, utilizing their speed, agility, and route-running skills to effectively contribute to the team's offense. Flankers can also serve as decoys to divert the attention of the defense or create openings for their teammates.
Outside of the sports context, the term "flanker" can also be used figuratively to describe a person or thing that provides support, assistance, or acts as a diversion to achieve a desired outcome. This usage reflects the strategy employed by flankers in team sports, where their role is to flank or support their team members to achieve success.
He or that which flanks; flank movement, the posting of troops so as to be able to attack the extreme right or left of an enemy; to flank or turn the flank, to attack a body of troops on the side; to outflank, to extend beyond the extreme right or left of an enemy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "flanker" has its origins in the 17th century English. It is derived from the verb "flank", which means to be positioned on the side of something. "Flanker" specifically refers to a soldier or military unit that is positioned on the side, or "flank", of the main force during a battle or military formation. The term has been used to describe a similar tactical position in sports, such as rugby and football, where a player is positioned on the side of the main cluster of players.
