ar·chive (är'kīv') n. A place or collection containing records, documents, or other materials of historical interest. Often used in the plural: old land deeds in the municipal archives. Computer Science. A long-term storage area, often on magnetic tape, for backup copies of files or for files that are no longer in active use. A file containing one or more files in compressed format for more efficient storage and transfer. A repository for stored memories or information: the archive of the mind. tr.v., -chived, -chiv·ing, -chives. To place or store in an archive.