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

Immediately after his plea, Mangione’s lawyers filed paperwork seeking to have the state case thrown out on double jeopardy grounds. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

But this week, UFT President Michael Mulgrew threatened to yank his support, critiquing not the curriculum mandates themselves, but contradictory supplements and paperwork. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Clients weren't prepared for the cost and paperwork involved in transporting pets out of the Middle East. — Steve Walsh, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026

Francisco Amador had filed suit directly with the state high court in July, a month after Florida Division of Elections officials didn't accept his paperwork to qualify for the District 34 seat as a no-party-affiliation candidate. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 12 Aug. 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