folder

noun

fold·​er ˈfōl-dər How to pronounce folder (audio)
1
: one that folds
2
: a folded printed circular
3
a
: a folded cover or large envelope for holding or filing loose papers
b
: an organizational element of a computer operating system used to group files or other folders together

Examples of folder in a Sentence

a folder offering tips for heating one's home efficiently
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Across the room are Lamar Hunt’s own file cabinets, packed with folders dating from 1959 as plans took shape for the new league. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 The folder is titled—generically, non-committal-y—writing, the equivalent of an unknown number in my phone. Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025 The company aims to move suspicious messages to spam folders to reduce users’ exposure to scams. Shannon Pettypiece, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025 Live Translation comes to Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app, for text and audio translation, and shortcuts can now include intelligent actions that automate specific processes with Apple Intelligence capabilities, like parsing information from a file whenever it's dropped in a certain folder. PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for folder

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of folder was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Folder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folder. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

folder

noun
fold·​er ˈfōl-dər How to pronounce folder (audio)
1
: one that folds
2
: a printed circular of folded sheets
3
a
: a folded cover or large envelope for holding loose papers
b
: an element of a computer operating system used to group and organize files

More from Merriam-Webster on folder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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