An Encylopedia Britannica Company

file

1 file /ˈfajəl/ noun
plural files
1 file
/ˈfajəl/
noun
plural files
Britannica Dictionary definition of FILE
[count]
: a device (such as a box, folder, or cabinet) in which documents that you want to keep are stored so that they can be found easily
: a collection of documents that have information you want to keep and that are stored so that they can be found easily
◊ Something that is on file is stored in a file.
: a collection of computer data that forms a single unit and that is given a particular name
compare 3file, 5file
2 file /ˈfajəl/ verb
files; filed; filing
2 file
/ˈfajəl/
verb
files; filed; filing
Britannica Dictionary definition of FILE
[+ object] : to put (a document) in a place where it can be found easily : to place (something) in a file
often + away
: to give (something, such as an official form or a legal document) to someone in authority so that it can be considered, dealt with, approved, etc.
[+ object]
[no object]
+ for
[+ object] : to send (a story or report) to a newspaper
compare 4file, 6file

— filer

/ˈfaɪlɚ/ noun, plural filers [count]
3 file /ˈfajəl/ noun
plural files
3 file
/ˈfajəl/
noun
plural files
Britannica Dictionary definition of FILE
[count]
: a metal tool that has sharp ridges and that is used to make rough surfaces smooth see picture at carpentry; see also nail file
compare 1file, 5file
4 file /ˈfajəl/ verb
files; filed; filing
4 file
/ˈfajəl/
verb
files; filed; filing
Britannica Dictionary definition of FILE
[+ object]
: to make something smooth by using a file
compare 2file, 6file
5 file /ˈfajəl/ noun
plural files
5 file
/ˈfajəl/
noun
plural files
Britannica Dictionary definition of FILE
: a row of people, animals, or things that form a line
[count]
[noncount]
compare 1rank; see also rank and file, single file
compare 1file, 3file
6 file /ˈfajəl/ verb
files; filed; filing
6 file
/ˈfajəl/
verb
files; filed; filing
Britannica Dictionary definition of FILE
[no object]
: to walk in a line
compare 2file, 4file