file

file¹ (f

1. A container, such as a cabinet or folder, for keeping papers in order.

2. A collection of papers or published materials kept or arranged in convenient order.

3. Computer Science A collection of related data or program records stored as a unit with a single name.

a. A line of persons, animals, or things positioned one behind the other.

b. A line of troops or military vehicles so positioned.

5. Games Any of the rows of squares that run forward and backward between players on a playing board in chess or checkers.

6. Archaic A list or roll.

v. filed, fil·ing, files

v.tr.

1. To put or keep (papers, for example) in useful order for storage or reference.

2. To enter (a legal document) on public official record.

3. To send or submit (copy) to a newspaper.

4. To carry out the first stage of (a lawsuit, for example): filed charges against my associate.

v.intr.

1. To march or walk in a line.

2. To put items in a file.

3. To make application; apply: filed for a job with the state; file for a divorce.

4. To enter one's name in a political contest: filed for Congress.

Idiom:

on file

In or as if in a file for easy reference: We will keep your resumé on file.

[From Middle English filen, to put documents on file, from Old French filer, to spin thread, to put documents on a thread, from Late Latin flre, to spin, draw out in a long line, from Latin flum, thread; see g^wh- in Indo-European roots.]

file² (f

1. Any of several hardened steel tools with cutting ridges for forming, smoothing, or reducing especially metallic surfaces.

2. A nail file.

3. Chiefly British A crafty or artful person.

tr.v. filed, fil·ing, files

To smooth, reduce, or remove with or as if with a file.

[Middle English, from Old English fl; see peig- in Indo-European roots.]

file²

left to right: double-cut flat file, single-cut round file, and single-cut half-round file

file³ (f

tr.v. filed, fil·ing, files Archaic

To sully or defile.

[Middle English filen, from Old English flan; see p- in Indo-European roots.]

file ¹

Noun

1. a folder or box used to keep documents in order

2. the documents, etc., kept in this way

3. documents or information about a specific subject or person: the doctor handed him his file

4. a line of people in marching formation, one behind another

5. Computers an organized collection of related records

6. on file recorded for reference, as in a file

Verb

[filing, filed]

1. to place (a document) in a file

2. to place (a legal document) on public or official record

3. to bring a lawsuit, esp. for divorce

4. to submit (a report or story) to a newspaper

5. to march or walk in a line [Latin filum a thread]

file ²

Noun

a hand tool consisting of a steel blade with small cutting teeth on its faces, used for shaping or smoothing

Verb

[filing, filed]

to shape or smooth (a surface) with a file [Old English fīl]

file (f

A collection of related data or program records stored as a unit with a single name. Files are the basic units that a computer works with in storing and retrieving data.

File a collection of papers arranged in order; a line, queue, or row of people; animals or things standing or placed one behind each other; a small number of soldiers.

Examples: file of letters, 1666; of slanderous lies, 1581; of newspapers, 1806; of papers, 1525; of soldiers [two deep], 1598.

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Noun	1.	file - a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together data file computer file - (computer science) a file maintained in computer-readable form mug book, mug file - a file of mug shots (pictures of criminals that are kept on file by the police) record - anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events; "the film provided a valuable record of stage techniques" tickler, tickler file - a file of memoranda or notices that remind of things to be done
	2.	file - a line of persons or things ranged one behind the other Indian file, single file snake dance - a group advancing in a single-file serpentine path column - a line of units following one after another line - a formation of people or things one behind another; "the line stretched clear around the corner"; "you must wait in a long line at the checkout counter"
	3.	file - office furniture consisting of a container for keeping papers in order file cabinet, filing cabinet card index, card catalog, card catalogue - an alphabetical listing of items (e.g., books in a library) with a separate card for each item office furniture - furniture intended for use in an office vertical file - a file in which records are stored upright on one edge
	4.	file - a steel hand tool with small sharp teeth on some or all of its surfaces; used for smoothing wood or metal blunt file - a file with parallel edges flat file - a file with two flat surfaces haft, helve - the handle of a weapon or tool hand tool - a tool used with workers' hands nailfile - a small flat file for shaping the nails wood file, rasp - a coarse file with sharp pointed projections rat-tail file - a thin round file shaped like the tail of a rat round file - a file with a circular cross section; used to file the inside of holes taper file - a file with converging edges
Verb	1.	file - record in a public office or in a court of law; "file for divorce"; "file a complaint" register law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order" trademark - register the trademark of; "The company trademarked their new gadget" register - record in writing; enter into a book of names or events or transactions
	2.	file - smooth with a file; "file one's fingernails" smooth, smoothen - make smooth or smoother, as if by rubbing; "smooth the surface of the wood"
	3.	file - proceed in line; "The students filed into the classroom" march, process - march in a procession; "They processed into the dining room" file in - enter by marching in a file file out - march out, in a file
	4.	file - file a formal charge against; "The suspect was charged with murdering his wife" lodge, charge accuse, criminate, incriminate, impeach - bring an accusation against; level a charge against; "The neighbors accused the man of spousal abuse" impeach - charge (a public official) with an offense or misdemeanor committed while in office; "The President was impeached"
	5.	file - place in a container for keeping records; "File these bills, please" file away record, enter, put down - make a record of; set down in permanent form