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
Using an account dedicated primarily to federal benefit deposits can create a clearer paper trail and reduce confusion if creditors ever challenge account funds.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 June 2026
First, excellent work keeping that paper trail!
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
However, lenders need a clear paper trail.
—Jason Peters, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
There’s no paper trail on this guy between 1983 and 2004, when he was found behind the Burger King in Georgia.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for paper trail
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.
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 June 2026
First, excellent work keeping that paper trail!
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
However, lenders need a clear paper trail.
—Jason Peters, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
There’s no paper trail on this guy between 1983 and 2004, when he was found behind the Burger King in Georgia.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for paper trail
Cite this Entry
“Paper trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20trail. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
