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.
Moving, changing party affiliation or updating a name would mean a trip to the election office under the SAVE America Act, complete with the right paperwork. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 The college goes far beyond helping with enrollment and GI Bill paperwork, taking a holistic approach to student veteran support by addressing academic, financial, health and social needs for veterans as well as their family members and dependents. Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 16 Mar. 2026 The indictment also accused the men of purchasing the counterfeit prescription drugs without proper paperwork, known as T3s/pedigrees, and reselling them to pharmacy customers. Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 The plea agreement goes on to state that Carie Hallford handled much of the banking, invoicing, contracting with customers, filing of required paperwork, bookkeeping and communications with customers. Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 16 Mar. 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 23 Mar. 2026.

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

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