English Reference

Word

filename

Phoneticsfile·name, stress on the first syllable

/ˈfaɪɫˌneɪm/

Countable noun

Definition

n. the name you give to a file on a computer so you can find and open it later.

n. a string of characters that identifies a file within a file system, often including an extension that indicates its format.

Examples

“I save the photo with a clear filename.”

“She changes the filename to 'report-final.docx' so her team can find the latest version quickly.”

“The archive preserves original filenames because even small changes can break links and make older documents hard to trace.”

Examples

simple

“I save the photo with a clear filename.”

contextual

“She changes the filename to 'report-final.docx' so her team can find the latest version quickly.”

complex

“The archive preserves original filenames because even small changes can break links and make older documents hard to trace.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “filename” in context.

Verb

01. change filename

“You can change the filename later if you make a spelling mistake.”

verb + noun

02. enter filename

“Please enter a filename and click Save to continue.”

verb + noun

03. filename appears

“Once you press Save, the filename appears in the list of documents.”

noun + verb

04. filename contains

“Check that the filename contains no spaces or special symbols.”

noun + verb

Adjective

05. descriptive filename

“Use a descriptive filename like birthday-party-photos to find it easily.”

adj + noun

06. invalid filename

“The computer showed an error because I used an invalid filename.”

adj + noun

07. new filename

“Type a new filename and then click Save to create a copy.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. field for filename

“Click in the field for filename and type a name for your document.”

noun + prep + noun

09. filename extension

“The filename extension .pdf tells you what program will open the file.”

noun + noun

10. filename format

“Use only letters and numbers in the filename format.”

noun + noun

11. change the filename to

“Right-click the file and change the filename to something shorter.”

12. enter a new filename

“Click Save As and enter a new filename for the copy.”

Etymology

file + name

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Domain

Computing

This entry

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

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English Reference