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

Wilcox sued Tarrant County GOP chair Tim Davis when she was removed from the ballot in the House District 98 primary because of problems with her paperwork. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026

The Nassau County executive, who has no serious opposition in the GOP primary for governor, was denied funding by the state Campaign Finance Board by a 4-3 party line vote because his running mate failed to file required paperwork. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026

There were also long phone calls with insurance providers and other paperwork that ate into her days. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

If any paperwork is involved, prepare it beforehand to skip mid-discussion confusion. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 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
• artwork
• beadwork

Kids Definition

paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk 

: routine office or record-keeping work