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file1 definition

file (fīl)

transitive verb filed, filing fil′·ing

    1. to arrange (papers, etc.) in order for future reference
    2. to put (a paper, etc.) in its proper place or order
  1. ☆ to dispatch (a news story) to a newspaper, news agency, etc.
  2. to register (an application, etc.)
  3. to put (a legal document) on public record
  4. to initiate (a divorce suit or other legal action)

Etymology: ME filen < OFr filer, to string documents on thread, orig., to spin thread < LL filare, to spin < L filum, thread < IE base *gwhislo- > Lith gýsla, sinew

intransitive verb

  1. to move in a line to file out of a building
  2. ☆ to register oneself as a candidate (for a political office)
  3. to make application (for divorce proceedings, etc.)

noun

  1. a container, as a folder, cabinet, etc., for keeping papers in order
  2. an orderly arrangement of papers, cards, etc., as for reference
  3. a line of persons or things situated one behind another
  4. any of the rows of squares on a chessboard extending from one player's end to the other
  5. Comput. a collection of data (or, often, of logically related records) stored and dealt with as a single, named unit

Etymology: filesenses , , & < the v.; & < Fr file < L filum

Related Forms:

file Idioms

in file

in line, one behind another

on file

(kept) in or as in a file for reference
file2 definition

file (fīl)

noun

  1. a steel tool with a rough, ridged surface for smoothing, grinding down, or cutting through something
  2. Brit., Slang a crafty rascal

Etymology: ME < OE feol (Mercian fil), akin to Ger feile < Du vijl, prob. < IE base *peik-, var. of *peig-, to scratch, prick > paint

transitive verb filed, filing fil′·ing

to smooth, grind down, or cut through as with a file
file3 definition

file (fīl)

transitive verb filed, filing fil′·ing

Archaic to make foul; defile

Etymology: ME filen < OE -fylan < ful, dirty, foul

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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