Word
briefcase
Phoneticsbrief·case, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɹifˌkeɪs/
UK/bɹˈiːfkeɪs/
Definitions
01a bag for documents
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a flat case with a handle, used for carrying papers and documents to work.
n. a flat, rectangular container with a handle, designed for transporting documents and professional materials.
Español:maletín
“He packed his laptop and the new contracts into his leather briefcase before the meeting.”
“The attorney arrived at the courthouse clutching a battered leather briefcase that appeared to be overflowing with legal transcripts and evidence folders.”
Synonyms
02computing folder
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a special folder on older Windows computers that helped keep files the same on two different devices.
n. a legacy utility in Microsoft Windows designed to facilitate file synchronization between a desktop and a portable computer.
“In older versions of Windows, you could use the Briefcase to sync files between your PC and a floppy disk.”
“Before cloud storage became ubiquitous, the Briefcase provided a rudimentary method for users to synchronize document versions across multiple workstations.”
Usage
Usually capitalized when referring to the specific software feature.
Teaching tip
This sense is largely obsolete in modern computing; students are unlikely to encounter it outside of legacy system documentation.
Synonyms
Etymology
From brief + case.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/briefcase
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0