archive
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: archives · archiving · archived
Sense 1
Chiefly in the form archives. — A repository or other place for storing material (such as documents and records) no longer in current use, and usually having historical value.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Chiefly in the form archives. — The material so stored, considered as a whole.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To place or store (something, such as a document or record) in an archive (noun sense 1.1).
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To transfer (less used or obsolete data, files, etc.) to a storage medium for long-term storage.
Verb
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “archive” mean?
Chiefly in the form archives. — A repository or other place for storing material (such as documents and records) no longer in current use, and usually having historical value.
Is “archive” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.