Phrase guide

swap file

noun · 2 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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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A file on disk used as auxiliary memory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

the disk space that is set aside for virtual memory

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: swap space

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: disk space, disc space

History

Etymology

So called because data can be swapped between memory and this file.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 交換文件 /交换文件 (jiāohuàn wénjiàn) — file on disk used as auxiliary memory
  • Finnish: sivutustiedosto — file on disk used as auxiliary memory
  • Finnish: heittovaihtotiedosto — file on disk used as auxiliary memory
  • Greek: αρχείο σελιδοποίησης (archeío selidopoíisis) — file on disk used as auxiliary memory