file
fyl
File (noun) means a collection of related documents or data stored together, whether on paper or on a computer. Example: “I saved the report as a file on my laptop's desktop.”
noun
1
A collection of related documents or data stored together, whether on paper or on a computer.
"I saved the report as a file on my laptop's desktop."
"She pulled the customer's file from the cabinet."
"Save the file before you close the program."
2
A line of people or things arranged one behind another.
"The soldiers marched in single file."
"A file of children walked quietly behind their teacher."
"We stood in file outside the hall waiting for the doors to open."
3
A metal tool with a rough, ridged surface used to smooth or shape hard materials.
"Carpenters keep a coarse file in their toolbox for rounding off sharp corners."
"Use a fine file to remove the rough burrs from the freshly cut key."
"He used a file to smooth the rough edge of the metal bracket."
verb
1
To submit official paperwork or a formal request to an office or authority.
"You must file the complaint form at the council office by Friday."
"They filed their tax return in February."
"The journalist filed her story just before the deadline."
2
To smooth, shape, or wear down something using a file.
"He filed down the sharp edge of the key until it was smooth."
"The locksmith filed the metal carefully so the new key would fit."
"She filed her nails before the interview."
How to use file
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a set of stored documents/data, a line of people, or a tool for smoothing hard surfaces — and as a verb, to submit paperwork or to smooth something down.
Common mistake
The "line of people" sense and the "document/tool" senses come from different word histories that happen to share a spelling — don't assume they're related.
Common pairings
file a report
file taxes
single file
nail file
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Word forms
- Plural
- files
- Third person singular
- files
- Past tense
- filed
Fill the gap
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I saved the report as a _____ on my laptop's desktop.
Etymology
From Old French fil, meaning "thread," ultimately from Latin filum. The tool sense (metal rasp) comes from a separate, unrelated Old English word, fil.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for file
See all rhymes for file →Frequently asked questions
What does “file” mean?
The word “file” means a collection of related documents or data stored together, whether on paper or on a computer. In plain terms, either a set of stored documents/data, a line of people, or a tool for smoothing hard surfaces — and as a verb, to submit paperwork or to smooth something down.
How do you pronounce “file”?
“File” is pronounced fyl (/faɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “file” in a sentence?
Here is “file” used in a sentence: “She pulled the customer's file from the cabinet.”
What part of speech is “file”?
Depending on how it is used, “file” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “file” come from?
The word “file” comes from Latin. From Old French fil, meaning "thread," ultimately from Latin filum. The tool sense (metal rasp) comes from a separate, unrelated Old English word, fil.
Is “file” a common word?
“File” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “file” have?
“File” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a collection of related documents or data stored together, whether on paper or on a computer.
What is the difference between a file and a folder?
A file is a single collection of related data or documents, such as a report or an image. A folder is a container used to organise and store multiple files together. On a computer, you open a file to see its contents, but you open a folder to find the files kept inside it.
What are the other meanings of file?
Besides a stored collection of documents or data, file can mean a hand tool with a rough surface used to smooth or shape metal, wood, or nails. As a verb it means to submit something officially, like filing taxes. 'Single file' also describes people walking one behind another in a line.
What are common types of computer file?
Computer files are usually identified by their format and extension. Common types include documents (.doc, .pdf), images (.jpg, .png), spreadsheets (.xlsx), audio (.mp3), video (.mp4), and compressed archives (.zip). Each type stores a particular kind of data, and the extension tells the computer which program should open it.
What does it mean to 'file' a document?
To file a document means to place it in order among other records so it can be found later, or to submit it formally to an authority. You might file paperwork in a cabinet, or file a claim, complaint, or application. In both senses, filing is about proper storage or official submission.
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