paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work ˈpā-pər-ˌwərk How to pronounce paperwork (audio)
: routine clerical or recordkeeping work often incidental to a more important task

Examples of paperwork in a Sentence

She failed to file the paperwork on time. The lawyer had us fill in the paperwork for the mortgage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The country singer filed for divorce in Tennessee on May 18, and their date of separation was listed as May 9 in paperwork obtained by People. — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 31 July 2026 Two weeks later, Hwang was on a flight to Eugene, Oregon — with her paperwork fast-tracked — to compete at the 2025 Paralympics National Championships. — Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 Opponents point to research that found previous work requirement policies did not lead to more people getting jobs, and many people who lost coverage were either unaware of the rules or stymied by paperwork. — Julie Wernau, NPR, 31 July 2026 Since then, three more Manhattan office conversion projects have been ordered to partially pause or halt construction this month over issues ranging from missing paperwork to cracks in concrete beams. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for paperwork

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperwork was in 1899

Rhymes for paperwork

See All Rhymes for paperwork

Browse Nearby Words

paper-white narcissus
paperwork
paperworker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paperwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperwork. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paperwork

noun
pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce paperwork (audio)
: routine office or record-keeping work

More from Merriam-Webster on paperwork

Nglish: Translation of paperwork for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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