paper trail

noun

: documents (such as financial records) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned

Examples of paper trail in a Sentence

They covered up the fraud and were careful not to leave a paper trail.
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.
However, absent some way of reporting the earnings, there is a very small paper trail connecting the taxpayer to this taxable income, leading many not to report it. Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The paper trail between you and Turo shows that the company was unconvinced. Christopher Elliott The Travel Troubleshooter, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025 The paper trail between you and Turo shows that the company was unconvinced. Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025 Whatever paper trail there is should be listed. Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paper trail

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper trail was in 1935

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paper trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20trail. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

paper trail

noun
: documents (as financial records or published materials) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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