Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

batch file

noun

Definition of batch file 

: a computer file containing a series of commands to be executed automatically and sequentially by the operating system

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of batch file

1978, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about batch file

Share batch file

Resources for batch file

Cite Time Traveler Time Traveler! Explore the year a word first appeared

Dictionary Entries near batch file

batboy

bat bug

batch

batch file

batching plant

batch mixer

batchwise

Statistics for batch file

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for batch file

The first known use of batch file was in 1978

See more words from the same year

Comments on batch file

What made you want to look up batch file? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

secrete

to deposit or conceal in a hiding place

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

  • alt-573b465788319
  • Name these cookies!
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games