Phrase guide

round file

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A metal file with a circular or rounded shape, used for shaping round surfaces.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Use a round file to deburr the pipe.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rat-tail file

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The trash; the wastebasket.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous

Examples

  • My junk mail goes straight into the round file the moment it arrives.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: circular file

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

a file with a circular cross section; used to file the inside of holes

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: file

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.