Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
file folder

file folder

5 1.8
A folded piece of stiff paper that keeps loose papers in order
  • noun
  • /faɪl ˈfoʊldər/
translation icon : carpeta
  • She used a bright yellow file folder to keep all her important documents safe.
  • manila file folder
  • stack of file folders
  • empty file folder

One other thing I do, I have one file file folder with some photos in it.

Examples

  • Can you guess what's in these file folders?

    The Monster Squad (1987)

  • Mr. Shevvington counted out ten file folders and tucked them into his briefcase.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Do you see these file folders?

    The Monster Squad (1987)

  • Then he opened a file folder.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • I took the liberty of looking at your file folder.

    Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)

  • Students know their ID numbers and place those sheets and projects in their file folder.

    Blog text (26)

  • Gentry stands near the door, another file folder opened in his hands.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • I made a history of the founding of the bookstore in a green file folder.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • On his desk was a stack of ordinary manila file folders.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Laura rushes into Ned's office with the file folder.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

file
vsfile folder
∞ 1.0

A container for keeping papers and records

is a folded stiff paper piece used to hold loose papers in cabinets
folder
vsfile folder
156 1.0

A cover that holds and protects papers, usually made of cardboard or plastic

is specifically a stiff paper or thin cardboard folded for filing cabinets
ring-binder
vsfile folder
3 2.4

A folder with rings that open to hold loose sheets of paper

is a simple folded stiff sheet without rings for filing drawers or cabinets
subfolder
vsfile folder
1 3.0

A folder inside another folder, for example on a computer or in a filing cabinet

is an independent folded piece used alone in drawers or cabinets

How Full

binder
31 2.3
file folder
5 1.8
envelope
322 1.0

Surface Forms

file folder singular
file folders plural

Morphology

file + folder

The meaning 'a folded piece of stiff paper used to hold files' is directly derivable from combining 'file' (a collection of documents) with 'folder' (a protective cover), i.e. a folder for files. This is a straightforward noun–noun composition following common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

The noun file folder paints a simple picture: a file is a group of papers and a folder is a folded piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard that holds them like a small pocket, so it means 'a folded piece of stiff paper or thin cardboard used to hold and organize loose papers'.