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Synonyms

single file

American  

noun

  1. a line of persons or things arranged one behind the other; Indian file.

single file British  

noun

  1. a line of persons, animals, or things ranged one behind the other, either stationary or moving

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of single file

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They walked in single file, many of them barefoot, carrying flowers, handing out bracelets and picking up new followers along the way.

From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026

When the race began at 4, two hours before sunrise, we scurried off into the woods in tight single file.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

They move in single file towards the tree as a flute plays.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2023

Ships started to stretch, single file, as far across the sea as we could see.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2023

We marched back, single file, with me in the lead, to where you were waiting patiently.

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.