filefilefiles1noun1a box or cover for keeping papers in2a collection of information that is stored in a computer and that has a particular name: Did you save your file? You can delete that file now.3a tool with rough sides that you use for making things smooth: a nail filein single filein a line with each person following the one in front: The children walked into the hall in single file.filefilefilesfiledfiling2verb (files, filing, filed)1to put papers in their correct place, for example in a cover or drawer: Can you file these letters, please?2to walk in a line, one behind the other: The students filed into the classroom.3to make something smooth using a tool with rough sides: She filed her nails.