<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>a folder, cabinet, or other container in which papers, letters, etc., are arranged in convenient order for storage or reference.</li><li>a collection of papers, records, etc., arranged in convenient order: to make a file for a new account.</li><li>Computers. a collection of related data or program records stored on some input/output or auxiliary storage medium: This program's main purpose is to update the customer master file.</li><li>a line of persons or things arranged one behind another.</li><li>Military. a person in front of or behind another in a military formation.</li><li>one step on a promotion list.</li><li>one of the vertical lines of squares on a chessboard.</li><li>a list or roll.</li><li>a string or wire on which papers are strung for preservation and reference.</li></ul><p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to place in a file.</li><li>to arrange (papers, records, etc.) in convenient order for storage or reference.</li><li>Synonyms: index, catalog, label, classify, categorize, list.</li><li>Journalism. to arrange (copy) in the proper order for transmittal by wire.</li><li>to transmit (copy), as by wire or telephone: He filed copy from Madrid all through the war.</li><li>(used without object) to march in a file or line, one after another, as soldiers: The parade filed past endlessly.</li><li>to make application: to file for a civil-service job.</li></ul>