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
Museums can also store digital files documenting every change made during restoration, creating a paper trail for future conservators.
—
ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Some states are passing laws, too, mandating that recyclers document each converter brought in to be sold for scrap and create a paper trail to deter the theft and resale of the units.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
This meticulous record-keeping created a thorough paper trail, which was important for establishing the timeline of events and demonstrating Best Buy’s lack of responsiveness.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Some communities allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Mandates a paper trail for each voter's ballot, rather than just an electronic record.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
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.
ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025
Some states are passing laws, too, mandating that recyclers document each converter brought in to be sold for scrap and create a paper trail to deter the theft and resale of the units.
—Josh Max, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
This meticulous record-keeping created a thorough paper trail, which was important for establishing the timeline of events and demonstrating Best Buy’s lack of responsiveness.
—Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 13 June 2025
Some communities allow non-citizens to vote in local elections.
Mandates a paper trail for each voter's ballot, rather than just an electronic record.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
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 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share