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Glite Dictionary
to zip a file

to zip a file

3.5
To put more than one file into one smaller file for sending or saving
  • phrasal verb
  • /zɪp ə faɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : comprimir un archivo
  • I need to zip a file before sending it.

Examples

  • Please zip a file before you attach it to the email.

  • She always zips a file when submitting her assignments online to save space.

  • Learning how to zip a file is basic computer literacy today.

  • Can you zip a file for me?

  • To save space, please zip a file before sending it as an email attachment.

  • You should zip a file if you want to make it easier to upload to the cloud.

  • I often zip files to reduce their size for faster downloads.

Synonyms

to zip up
vsto zip a file
  • Specialized
1 4.1

To compress files into a .zip file

is the same meaning but expressed as a phrasal verb
to gzip
vsto zip a file
  • Specialized
7.6

To make a computer file smaller using a program called gzip

applies to a specific archive format rather than that program
to deflate
vsto zip a file
  • Specialized
4.2

To make digital files smaller for storage or transfer

refers to creating an archive format for grouped files rather than a method

How Compressed

to zip a file
  • Specialized
3.5
to compress
94 3.7

Surface Forms

zip a file infinitive
zipped a file past
zipped a file past participle
zipping a file present participle
zips a file third person singular

Morphology

zip + a + file

The noun 'file' is transparent but the verb 'zip' has a specialized computing sense ('compress') that is not directly predictable from its common sense ('to fasten with a zipper'). The meaning is a conventionalized technical extension (metaphorical bundling/compressing) so learners who only know the everyday sense of 'zip' may not infer it without prior exposure.

Etymology

Zip a file comes from the image of a zipper: imagine pulling a zipper closed so a bag full of papers becomes one neat, smaller package. That's why zip a file means 'to make one smaller package from one or more files'.