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.
Pelletier was still forced to watch, though, as his paperwork apparently wasn’t resolved in time. Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025 Romero, an Argentine, is in Buenos Aires to work toward his paperwork starting Monday. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 Feb. 2025 April 30, 1987: Feds offer immigrants ways to gain legal status Less than 1 1/2 years after overseeing raids on taxi drivers in the U.S. illegally, Moyer details plans to open four centers to help immigrants with paperwork to become legal U.S. residents. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Even the vet couldn't believe after seeing his paperwork how big Lou had grown. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near paperwork

Cite this Entry

“Paperwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperwork. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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