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 de minimis loophole allowed shipments of goods worth $800 or less to come into the United States duty-free, often skipping time-consuming inspections and paperwork. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 May 2025

Mindy Coleman, general counsel of the Jockeys' Guild, helps jockeys process their immigration paperwork. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 3 May 2025

Last month, the Campaign Finance Board denied Cuomo’s request for nearly $3 million in public matching funds due to paperwork errors. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025

Sheriff Chan Bryant confirmed that the agents had shown badges and paperwork to a bailiff beforehand. —Gene Johnson and Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 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