paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work ˈpā-pər-ˌwərk 

: 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

The lawsuit targets Hoskins’ decision to reject, on multiple occasions, the campaign’s paperwork that indicated their intent to hold a referendum. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Nov. 2025

But the biggest issue, for most of them, was a fear of getting bogged down in union paperwork. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

Mobile apps send balance alerts and renewal notices, reducing paperwork and wait times. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025

The Marin County resident has been on-and-off food stamps for about a decade, citing the need for government help due to health problems and complications maintaining (and providing paperwork to prove) employment. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 13 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paperwork

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• subnetwork
• artwork
• beadwork

Kids Definition

paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk 

: routine office or record-keeping work