single file

noun

: a row of persons, animals, or things arranged one behind the other
single file adverb

Examples of single file in a Sentence

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.
Tap Delete to remove that single file. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025 The wolves usually ran straight away in single file. Frank Glaser, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026 Hundreds of people trudged up the steep switchbacks in single file. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 Twice a day, seven days a week, the famous fowl waddle single file through the lobby. Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for single file

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single file was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Single file.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single%20file. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

single file

noun
: a line of persons or things arranged one behind another
single file adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!