dossier

American  

[dos-ee-ey, -ee-er, daw-see-ey, -see-er, daw-syey] / ˈdɒs iˌeɪ, -i ər, ˈdɔ siˌeɪ, -si ər, dɔˈsjeɪ /

noun

dossiers plural

1. a collection or file of documents on the same subject, especially a complete file containing detailed information about a person or topic.

   Synonyms:

   folder, report, record

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dossier British  

/ ˈdɒsɪˌeɪ, dosje, -sɪə /

noun

1. a collection of papers containing information on a particular subject or person

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Usage

What does dossier mean? A dossier is a collection of detailed information about a person or other subject. The word dossier is popularly associated with espionage, law enforcement, and politics. When used in these contexts, it often refers to a file that includes all the “dirt” on someone (such as secret negative information that could be used to blackmail them). Example: We’ve been tracking this guy for years—we have a 2,000-page dossier on him.

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• dossiers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dossier

1875–80; < French: bundle of documents with a label attached to the back or spine, equivalent to dos (< Latin dorsum ) back + -ier -ier ²

Explanation

If you’re a fan of spy movies, you’ve probably seen countless scenes in which an intrepid secret agent breaks into a secure government facility in order to steal a dossier, or a collection of files. Dossier, which emerged in French in the 19th century, is derived from the French word dos, meaning “back.” While the connection between “files” and “backs” isn’t certain, it may pertain to the fact that the labels of dossiers were originally affixed to the back, or spine, of each file. If you speak French, you can apply your knowledge to the pronunciation of this word; the final syllable is pronounced with a long a sound, rhyming with “day.”

Example Sentences

Bowens, for example, was recently drawn to strawberry-forward Fruits of Love by Dossier, which surprised her since she considered herself someone who didn’t like fruity scents.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Before long, the plans for Dossier were underway.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 16, 2024

“The inaccurate personal data in the Dossier has, and continues, to cause me significant damage and distress,” the former president said in a signed statement circulated by his lawyers.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2023

A U.S. official with access to intelligence declined to comment on the defector, and The Dossier Center did not respond to a request for information about Mr. Karakulov.

From Washington Times • Apr. 9, 2023

Besides, who heard of the retraction, except the judge... and I, months afterwards, when the Dossier was handed to my counsel and me?

From My Memoirs by Steinheil, Marguerite

Related Words

• summary