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file1

Syllabification: (file)
Pronunciation: /fīl/

Translate file | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of file

noun

  • a folder or box for holding loose papers that are typically arranged in a particular order for easy reference:a file of correspondence
  • the contents of a file folder or box.
  • Computing a collection of data, programs, etc., stored in a computer’s memory or on a storage device under a single identifying name:do you want to save this file? [as modifier]:a file name

verb

[with object]
  • place (a document) in a cabinet, box, or folder in a particular order for preservation and easy reference:the contract, when signed, is filed figurativehe still had the moment filed away in his memory
  • submit (a legal document, application, or charge) to be placed on record by the appropriate authority:criminal charges were filed against the firm [no object]:the company had filed for bankruptcy
  • (of a reporter) send (a story) to a newspaper or news organization.

Phrases

on file

in a file or filing system.

Derivatives

filer

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb meaning 'string documents on a thread or wire to keep them in order'): from French filer 'to string', fil 'a thread', both from Latin filum 'a thread'. Compare with file2

file in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of file in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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