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

Right now, the principal output of a nuclear reactor (aside from electricity) is paperwork. — Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 8 Oct. 2026

According to Couix, entry stamps often come in handy as supporting proof for visa and residency applications, and certain application paperwork for banks or schools. — Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

State regulatory paperwork describes a $25 million core and shell for an office building with groundfloor retail measuring 88,000 square feet. — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026

Receiving vital information after committing time, signing paperwork, or traveling can make a decision harder to reverse. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 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