file

/faɪl/

noun

  1. a named set of information stored on a computer

    A2

    countable

    • "I saved the file on my desktop."A2
    • "Please send me the file by email."B1

  2. a collection of papers or records kept together because they relate to the same subject or person

    B1

    countable

    • "The lawyer looked through the case file."B1
    • "The police kept a file on the suspect."B2

  3. a folder, box, or similar container used for keeping papers in order

    A2

    countable

    • "Put these letters in the file."A2
    • "She opened the file and took out the contract."B1

  4. a tool with a rough surface used for smoothing or shaping hard materials, especially metal or nails

    B1

    countable

    • "He used a file to smooth the rough edge of the metal."B1
    • "She used a nail file to shape her nails."A2

verb

  1. to store documents or information in a particular place or system so they can be found later

    B1

    transitive

    • "I file my papers every Friday."A2
    • "Please file these letters alphabetically."B1
    • "The documents were filed under a false name."B2

  2. to officially present a document, complaint, or request to an organization or authority, or to make a legal claim

    B2

    transitive; also intransitive with for

    • "He filed a report with the police."B1
    • "She filed a complaint against the company."B2
    • "You must file your taxes by April 15."B1
    • "The company filed for bankruptcy after the lawsuit."C1

  3. to smooth or shape something using a file

    B1

    transitive

    • "He filed the sharp edge until it was smooth."B1
    • "She filed her nails before the meeting."A2

  4. to walk in a line, one person behind another

    C1

    intransitive

    • "The students filed into the hall."B2
    • "The soldiers filed past the general."C1

Collocations

computer filesave a filecase filenail filefile a complaintfile a reportfile a lawsuitkeep on filesingle file

Word family

filingfilerfile cabinet