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.
Officials claim the payments continued for nearly two years because the firefighter’s separation paperwork was never fully processed through the payroll system. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 The combined concept entails more than 5,000 square feet, according to paperwork with the city of Boise. Michael Deeds updated May 15, Idaho Statesman, 15 May 2026 The next day, doctors handed her paperwork to sign. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 Before Warsh can be sworn in, the president — who left for China before lawmakers took their last vote — must sign paperwork installing Warsh in the role. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 15 May 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

Cite this Entry

“Paperwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperwork. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

paperwork

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

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