paper-thin

adjective

pa·​per-thin ˈpā-pər-ˌthin How to pronounce paper-thin (audio)
: extremely thin
paper-thin partitions

Examples of paper-thin in a Sentence

since the wall separating our cubicles is paper-thin, I get way too much information about my coworker's love life
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.
Scattered between fluffy roses and dark green foliage, these flowers have layers of soft, paper-thin petals adorned with a large black center. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2025 Picture the classic, drab freshman dorm room with a paper-thin plastic mattress and cinder block walls transformed into a true palace. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025 Trump is pressing Texas and other red states to rearrange their congressional districts to protect the paper-thin Republican congressional majority in next year’s elections. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025 The same is true for manufacturers of EVs, smartphones, and many other products, with too many companies making similar products at paper-thin margins. Dan Wang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paper-thin

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper-thin was in 1928

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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