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file

file

60 2.8
A line of people or things arranged one behind another
  • noun
  • /faɪl/
translation icon : fila
  • The pack followed in single file, as Tkaa, Daine, and Cloud brought up the rear.
  • single file
  • moved in single file
  • a file of soldiers

Examples

  • The children entered in single file, stepping carefully around the shattered lamp and remaining silent.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Once students are lined up, walk in a single file line to the nearest drinking fountain.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Hey, single file, no pushing.

  • The three old men went by, single file, each carrying a little box.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • It's so narrow that only a single file of riders can move across it at any one time.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Orde formed his small troop into a single file with about five yards between them.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The contestants drove into the arena single file while the announcer called out the names of the drivers.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Three days later, the caravan started south: a file of twelve power wagons, four mounted with sandblasts.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • From the paddock area, they walked toward the track, single file, some led by grooms, some unaccompanied.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Please form a single line and walk through the door in a file.

Synonyms

line
vsfile
1.0

A row of people or things standing one behind another

refers specifically to items placed directly one behind another
column
vsfile
41 2.5

A line of people or vehicles one behind another

is the neutral everyday name for a simple one-behind-another arrangement
single file
vsfile
19 2.8

A line of people or things where one is behind another

is the general term that does not stress exact direct placement
Indian file
vsfile
  • UK
7.6

A single line of people or things one behind another

is identical in meaning but is a variant phrase used for the same formation

Idioms

on file
  • Formal
43 2.7

Information that an office or school keeps in an official record

Compounds

34 4.3

Ordinary members of a group who are not leaders

19 2.8

A line of people or things where one is behind another

15 2.1

A piece of office furniture with drawers that hold papers

13 2.2

A collection of information saved on a computer under a name

file sharing
  • Texting
13 2.9

A way to send digital files like documents or music over the internet, sometimes without permission

audio file
  • Specialized
9 3.3

A digital item that stores recorded sound like a song or podcast

video file
  • Specialized
9 2.3

A computer file that stores moving pictures and sound, like an MP4

7 3.4

A file that a program uses to keep related information

7 3.2

A person who organizes and keeps office papers and records

5 1.8

A folded piece of stiff paper that keeps loose papers in order

text file
  • Specialized
4 2.7

A computer file that has only plain text

4 3.5

A way of arranging and storing paper documents or computer data so you can find them

4 2.7

Name used to tell which computer file it is, often showing its type

backup file
  • Specialized
3 2.8

A file that stores a copy of other files so you can get them back if they are lost

master file
  • Specialized
1 4.2

The main computer record that holds original data for reference

file server
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A computer on a network that stores files and lets other users access them with permission

1 3.4

A file on a computer that holds information about a specific project

binary file
  • Specialized
1 4.7

A computer file that stores data in a non-text form for programs to read

file allocation table
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A table on a computer disk that shows where information is stored and which areas cannot be used

main file
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A central computer document that holds official records for a project

input file
  • Specialized
1 3.4

A computer file that contains data for a program to use

output file
  • Specialized
1 3.0

A computer file that stores data produced by a program

swap file
  • Specialized
1 6.3

A file on the hard drive used as extra memory when RAM is full

transaction file
  • Specialized
1 5.2

A computer file that holds recent records of actions updated while the computer works

blunt file
  • Specialized
7.1

A metal tool with two flat sides used to smooth or shape hard materials

circular file
  • Informal
7.5

A joke name for a wastebasket where unwanted papers go

dedicated file server
  • Specialized
5.1

A computer used only to store and share files for other computers

detail file
  • Specialized
5.5

A computer file that holds temporary data for a specific task

disk file
  • Specialized
3.4

A computer file stored on a disk with a unique name

dirt file
  • Literature
8.4

A set of secret bad facts about a person kept to use against them

editorial file
  • Literature
5.8

A set of documents ready to be printed or published

A way to share files over a network that lets people download without a password

ASCII text file
  • Specialized
3.5

A file that has only plain letters, numbers, and symbols with no special formatting

3.7

A standard way for computers to send files to each other over the internet

file name extension
  • Specialized
3.5

A few letters or numbers after a file name that show the file type

flat file
  • Specialized
5.8

A hand tool with a rough flat surface that you move to smooth or shape wood and metal

4.4

A tool for rubbing away hard skin from the soles of the feet

mug file
  • Jargon
8.1

A set of police photos of arrested people used to identify suspects

7.6

A single line of people or things one behind another

7.5

A computer that shares files on a network and is also used for work

rat-tail file
  • Specialized
9.5

A thin metal tool with a round taper used to smooth small round holes and curves

read-only file
  • Specialized
3.9

A file you can open and view but cannot change or delete

round file
  • Specialized
7.0

A metal tool with a round shape to smooth or widen holes

round file
  • Informal
7.8

A joking name for a trash can where unwanted papers go

taper file
  • Specialized
8.2

A hand tool with edges that narrow to a point for shaping and smoothing metal or wood

8.2

A set of folders or notes that remind you when to do tasks

A cabinet for holding papers upright in folders so you can pull them out easily

4.2

A rough tool with sharp teeth that shapes and smooths wood

How Long

column
41 2.5
queue
27 2.9
file
60 2.8
line
1.0

Surface Forms

file singular
files plural

Etymology

File (noun) meaning a line of people comes from the Latin filum, meaning 'thread', so imagine people linked like a long 'thread'—that is a file of people.