a folder, cabinet, or other container in which papers, letters, etc., are arranged in convenient order for storage or reference.

a collection of papers, records, etc., arranged in convenient order

to make a file for a new account.

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.

a line of persons or things arranged one behind another ( distinguished from rank ).

Military .

a person in front of or behind another in a military formation.

one step on a promotion list.

one of the vertical lines of squares on a chessboard.

a list or roll.

a string or wire on which papers are strung for preservation and reference.

to place in a file.

to arrange (papers, records, etc.) in convenient order for storage or reference.

Journalism .

to arrange (copy) in the proper order for transmittal by wire.

to transmit (copy), as by wire or telephone

He filed copy from Madrid all through the war.

to march in a file or line, one after another, as soldiers

The parade filed past endlessly.

to make application

to file for a civil-service job.

on file

arranged in order for convenient reference; in a file

The names are on file in the office.