1. the ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army)(Freq. 2) - the strike was supported by the union rank and file - he rose from the ranks to become a colonel • Syn: rank • Topics: military, armed forces, armed services, military machine, war machine • Hypernyms: force, personnel • Member Meronyms: enlisted man 2. people who constitute the main body of any group • Hypernyms: people