phalanx: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyFormal / Technical / Literary
Quick answer
What does “phalanx” mean?
A body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece drawn up in close order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece drawn up in close order; a compact or tightly knit body of people.
Any closely grouped mass or organized body of people (e.g., for defence or attack). In anatomy, a bone of a finger or toe.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The military/historical and metaphorical senses are used similarly. The anatomical sense is universal, but more common in US medical contexts due to billing/podiatry.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK/EU contexts in historical/classical discussions. In US, may be more associated with political/protest imagery.
Frequency
Very low in everyday speech for both. Slightly higher in academic, military, and political writing.
Grammar
How to Use “phalanx” in a Sentence
A phalanx of [noun (people/things)]The [adjective] phalanxTo form/face/break a phalanxVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “phalanx” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- phalangeal (related term)
American English
- phalangeal (related term)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly 'a phalanx of lawyers/consultants' defending a position.
Academic
Common in History, Classics, Political Science, and Anatomy texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific in Anatomy (finger/toe bones) and Military History.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “phalanx”
- Misspelling: 'phalanks', 'phalynx'.
- Mispronunciation: /fəˈlæŋks/ (wrong stress).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'group' or 'crowd' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in formal, historical, anatomical, or literary contexts.
The standard plural is 'phalanxes'. In technical/anatomical contexts, the Latin plural 'phalanges' (/fəˈlændʒiːz/) is used.
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'a phalanx of microphones' or 'a phalanx of skyscrapers' to suggest a dense, imposing line.
A 'phalanx' emphasizes a tight, often rectangular, defensive/offensive formation. A 'cohort' (Roman) was a military unit but is now used more loosely for any group with a shared characteristic.
A body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece drawn up in close order.
Phalanx is usually formal / technical / literary in register.
Phalanx: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfælæŋks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfeɪˌlæŋks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; used literally and metaphorically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A FALANX of FANATICS standing in a line' – the 'fal' and 'lanks' sounds evoke a line of shields.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITY IS A SOLID, IMPENETRABLE WALL. ORGANIZED PEOPLE ARE A SINGLE BODY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'phalanx' used to describe a bone?