folder
FOHL-duh
Folder (noun) means a container, physical or digital, used to store and organize documents or files. Example: “Drag the photos into the new folder so they are easy to find.”
noun
1
A container, physical or digital, used to store and organize documents or files.
"Drag the photos into the new folder so they are easy to find."
"She saved the report in a folder on her desktop."
"He kept all his tax receipts in a labeled folder."
2
A knife that folds closed, typically carried in a pocket.
"Grandad always kept a sharp folder in his toolbox for cutting rope."
"The camper opened his folder to slice the apple."
"He carried a small folder in his jacket pocket for everyday tasks."
How to use folder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA place (physical or on a computer) where related files are kept together.
Common pairings
create a folder
file folder
folder icon
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Word forms
- Plural
- folders
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Drag the photos into the new _____ so they are easy to find.
Etymology
From "fold" plus the agent suffix "-er," originally meaning something that folds.
Related words
Rhymes for folder
See all rhymes for folder →Frequently asked questions
What does “folder” mean?
The word “folder” means a container, physical or digital, used to store and organize documents or files. In plain terms, a place (physical or on a computer) where related files are kept together.
How do you pronounce “folder”?
“Folder” is pronounced FOHL-duh (/ˈfoʊldɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “folder” in a sentence?
Here is “folder” used in a sentence: “She saved the report in a folder on her desktop.”
What part of speech is “folder”?
“Folder” is a noun.
Is “folder” a common word?
“Folder” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “folder” have?
“Folder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a container, physical or digital, used to store and organize documents or files.
What is the difference between a folder and a directory?
Folder and directory both refer to a digital container used to organize and store files, and the terms are largely interchangeable in everyday computing. Folder is the more common, user-facing term, while directory is often used in technical or command-line contexts.
What is a folder knife?
A folder is also informal shorthand for a folding knife, a pocket knife whose blade folds into the handle for safe, compact carrying. This is a distinct meaning from the document-organizing sense of folder.
Can folder refer to both physical and digital storage?
Yes, folder can mean a physical container, such as a cardboard or plastic folder used to hold paper documents, or a digital container used to organize computer files. Both senses describe the same basic function of grouping and organizing items.
