single file

noun

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

single file

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of single file¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

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

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When he finally looked up, he saw players lined up in a single file offering hugs and telling him, “We’re going to win this battle together.”

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Later, looking over from a nearby hill, we could see the rebels in military fatigues walking in single file and stopping the people on the Congolese side from making the crossing.

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Their flashlights swung left to right as around a dozen men walked single file across the hilltop.

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Drone footage from the weekend showed long lines of men and boys standing or walking in single file.

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Related Words

• queue