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

As of Friday, Moon had not filed paperwork to run for re-election, according to the Yolo County website. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Michael Johnson, one of three Republican primary candidates challenging the congressman’s reelection bid, sued Mills last month over his qualification paperwork for the House race. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

More than a year earlier, in September 2024, Paramount had filed paperwork seeking the commission’s approval for its merger with Skydance Media. — ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

After Bruneau refused, Thelma allegedly forged her signature on the insurance paperwork following her death, Star-Telegram and WFAA reported. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 July 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