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

Review the paperwork and ask how much, when, and under what conditions before committing. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026

The paperwork for the letters of administration, which will allow Jean to act on her sister's behalf, has also been taken care of. — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

According to the release, ICE agents approached a Carol Stream officer midway through paperwork for those citations. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

To get her the proper paperwork will require a detour from his schedule for the day, and there’s more than a little comedy, however subtly played by Zareh, in his exasperated response to this change of plans. — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paperwork

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

Kids Definition

paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk 

: routine office or record-keeping work