tickler file

noun

1. a file consisting of memoranda, notices, electronic signals, or the like that serves to remind the user of matters that must be attended to.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tickler file¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

And put this in your tickler file: The clothing room has its greatest need in the fall.

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Besides getting paperwork off the desk, the tickler file also removed a source of worry: Once something was filed there, you knew you’d be reminded to deal with it on the appropriate day.

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It also allows me to use e-mail as a tickler file.

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It turns out that the file a secretary keeps to remind her boss to do certain things at certain times is called a tickler file.

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But once you make that plan— once you put the meeting memo in the tickler file for Wednesday, once you specify the very next action to be taken on the project— you can relax.

Read more on Time