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

For example, rezoning a plot of land from commercial to residential often requires mountains of paperwork. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2025

What most families aren't prepared for, though, are the predatory calls and letters that begin just weeks after filing probate paperwork – the records necessary to officially manage the estate and assets of the decedent. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025

For example, rezoning a plot of land from commercial to residential often requires mountains of paperwork. —Rohan Shah, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025

Bracing herself for what was to come, the family’s legal representative Sana Doueik gathered paperwork and rushed to the scene. —Ryan Byrnes, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 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