file
file
(faɪl )Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense files , present participle filing , past tense, past participle filed
1. countable noun
He sat behind a table on which were half a dozen files.
...a file of insurance papers. [+ of]
2. countable noun
A file is a collection of information about a particular person or thing.
There was stuff in that file that was private between me and Dr Denny.
We already have files on people's tax details, mortgages and poll tax. [+ on]
You must record and keep a file of all expenses. [+ of]
3. verb
If you file a document, you put it in the correct file.
A secretary can file papers as efficiently as a floppy disk can store them. [VERB noun]
They are all filed alphabetically under author. [be VERB-ed]
5. verb
A number of them have filed formal complaints against the police. [VERB noun]
I filed for divorce on the grounds of adultery a few months later. [VERB + for]
6. verb
7. verb
When a group of people files somewhere, they walk one behind the other in a line.
She paused as the group of children filed out of the house. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Slowly, people filed into the room and sat down. [VERB preposition/adverb]
8. countable noun
A file is a hand tool which is used for rubbing hard objects to make them smooth, shape them, or cut through them.
9. verb
If you file an object, you smooth it, shape it, or cut it with a file.
Manicurists are skilled at shaping and filing nails. [VERB noun]
10. See also nail file, rank and file
12.
Phrasal verbs:
