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

At immigration check-ins, new routines unfold Samba Diallo rode in the passenger seat, a red folder containing his immigration paperwork on his lap. — Claire Galofaro, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Hilbert said his nonprofit once spent more than five years sending paperwork back and forth to receive a gift that turned out to be $6,000. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

None had been declared on the shipping paperwork, according to the affidavit. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Lawyers from the New York firm Sher Tremonte filed paperwork on Monday requesting to withdraw as legal representation for Combs in a defamation case against the parent company of NewsNation and two individuals. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 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