Definitions for FILEfɪˈleɪ, ˈfi leɪ

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

filefaɪl(n.; v.)filed, fil•ing.

(n.)a container in which papers, letters, etc., are arranged in convenient order.
a collection of papers, records, etc., arranged in convenient order.
a collection of related computer data or program records stored by name.
Category: Computers
a line of persons or things arranged one behind another
Ref: (disting. from rank 1 ).
a list or roll.
one of the vertical lines of squares on a chessboard.
Category: Checkers and Chess
(v.t.)to place in a file.
to arrange (papers, records, etc.) in convenient order for storage or reference.
to transmit (a news story), as by wire.
Category: Journalism
to initiate (legal proceedings).
Category: Law
(v.i.)to march in a file or line, one after another.
to make application:
to file for a job.

Idioms for file:

on file,filed for easy retrieval.
Category: Idiom

Origin of file:

1425–75; late ME < MF filer to string documents on a thread or wire, OF: to wind or spin thread 蠐 L fīlum thread, string

fil′er(n.)

filefaɪl(n.; v.)filed, fil•ing.

(n.)a metal tool, esp. of steel, having rough surfaces for reducing or smoothing metal, wood, etc.
Category: Building Trades
Ref: nail file.
(v.t.)to reduce, smooth, or remove with or as if with a file.

Origin of file:

bef. 900; ME; OE fīl, fēol, c. OS fīla, OHG fī(ha)la

fil′er(n.)

file^*faɪl(v.t.)filed, fil•ing.

to defile; corrupt.

^* Archaic..

Origin of file:

bef. 1000; ME; OE fȳlan to befoul, defile, der. of fūlfoul

fi•léfɪˈleɪ, ˈfi leɪ(n.)

a powder made from the ground leaves of the sassafras tree, used as a thickener and flavoring, esp. in Creole soups and gumbos.
Category: Cooking

Origin of filé:

1800–10, Amer.; < LaF; lit., twisted, ropy, stringy

Princeton's WordNet

file, data file(noun)
a set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
file, single file, Indian file(noun)
a line of persons or things ranged one behind the other
file, file cabinet, filing cabinet(noun)
office furniture consisting of a container for keeping papers in order
file(verb)
a steel hand tool with small sharp teeth on some or all of its surfaces; used for smoothing wood or metal
file, register(verb)
record in a public office or in a court of law
"file for divorce"; "file a complaint"
file(verb)
smooth with a file
"file one's fingernails"
file(verb)
proceed in line
"The students filed into the classroom"
charge, lodge, file(verb)
file a formal charge against
"The suspect was charged with murdering his wife"
file, file away(verb)
place in a container for keeping records
"File these bills, please"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

file(noun)ɪl
a collection of information, documents, etc.
confidential files; We keep a file on every child in the school.
fileɪl
a container for a collection of information, documents, etc.
She took two files out of the drawer.
fileɪl
a named place on a computer for storing information
to create/delete a file
fileɪl
a tool for making sth smooth
a nail file
file(verb)ɪl
to put a document into the correct place in a file
File the documents in alphabetical order.
fileɪl
to officially state your intention to go to court
to file a lawsuit
fileɪl
to rub with a file to make smooth
She filed her nails.
fileɪl
to walk somewhere in a line
The players filed into the arena.

Webster Dictionary

File(noun)
an orderly succession; a line; a row
File(noun)
a row of soldiers ranged one behind another; -- in contradistinction to rank, which designates a row of soldiers standing abreast; a number consisting the depth of a body of troops, which, in the ordinary modern formation, consists of two men, the battalion standing two deep, or in two ranks
File(noun)
an orderly collection of papers, arranged in sequence or classified for preservation and reference; as, files of letters or of newspapers; this mail brings English files to the 15th instant
File(noun)
the line, wire, or other contrivance, by which papers are put and kept in order
File(noun)
a roll or list
File(noun)
course of thought; thread of narration
File(verb)
to set in order; to arrange, or lay away, esp. as papers in a methodical manner for preservation and reverence; to place on file; to insert in its proper place in an arranged body of papers
File(verb)
to bring before a court or legislative body by presenting proper papers in a regular way; as, to file a petition or bill
File(verb)
to put upon the files or among the records of a court; to note on (a paper) the fact date of its reception in court
File(verb)
to march in a file or line, as soldiers, not abreast, but one after another; -- generally with off
File(noun)
a steel instrument, having cutting ridges or teeth, made by indentation with a chisel, used for abrading or smoothing other substances, as metals, wood, etc
File(noun)
anything employed to smooth, polish, or rasp, literally or figuratively
File(noun)
a shrewd or artful person
File(verb)
to rub, smooth, or cut away, with a file; to sharpen with a file; as, to file a saw or a tooth
File(verb)
to smooth or polish as with a file
File(verb)
to make foul; to defile