Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

circular file

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.89 in modern English

Syllables: cir-cu-lar -file
IPA

19

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

4

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The trash container; the wastebasket.

Humorous

Example Sentences

"He was completely underqualified for the job, so I put his resume directly into the circular file."
"If it's good trash, read it. Bad trash? Chuck it in the circular file."

Etymology

In reference to the wastebasket's cylindrical shape, and the act of throwing things away rather than filing them in cabinets.

Usage

Humorous

Inflected Forms

circular files (plural)

Synonyms

round file circular filing cabinet file 13 bin garbage can garbage pail trash bin trash can trashbin trashcan waste bin wastebin

Questions

What does circular file mean?: The trash container; the wastebasket.
Where does circular file come from?: In reference to the wastebasket's cylindrical shape, and the act of throwing things away rather than filing them in cabinets.

How to pronounce circular file

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “circular file”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “circular file”.
Repeat and practice — Say “circular file” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.