folder

American  

[fohl-der] / ˈfoʊl dər /

noun

1. a person or thing that folds.

2. a printed sheet, as a circular or timetable, folded into a number of usually pagelike sections.

3. a folded sheet of light cardboard used to cover or hold papers, letters, etc., as in a file.

4. Computers. directory.

---

folder British  

/ ˈfəʊldə /

noun

1. a binder or file for holding loose papers, etc

2. a folded circular

3. a machine for folding printed sheets

4. a person or thing that folds

5. computing another name for directory

---

Etymology

Origin of folder

First recorded in 1545–55; fold ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Filling your folder sometimes means fishing for compliments, which can feel awkward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

The time has come to create a digital folder with account numbers and most recent correspondence.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

You start by creating a folder on your computer’s desktop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

The 79-year-old brandished a folder in front of reporters that he said listed 365 achievements since he was sworn in on January 20 last year.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Mom likes to go through the papers in my take-home folder every night if she doesn’t get home too late.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Related Words

• binder
• file
• pocket