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Definition of readme

readme

/ˈriːdˌmiː/
read · me
Plural:readmes
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readme Lexical Profile

readme Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A text file distributed with computer software or a digital project that contains introductory documentation, installation instructions, or release notes for the user.

Example

"Before installing the open-source library, make sure to check the readme for system requirements and configuration steps."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for readme

• Nearby Words

readjust
readjustable
readjustment
readme
readminister
readmission
readmit

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in early computing during the 1970s from the imperative phrase "read me," conventionally capitalized as README so the file would appear near the top of ASCII directory listings.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Readme. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/readme
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