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

Among the members of Children First Collective San Diego, which signed the election paperwork, are the San Diego Foundation, the YMCA, Jewish Family Service and San Diego State University. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025

This proactive service transforms loan officers from paperwork processors into financial-service concierges — professionals who are focused on strategic relationship-building and turning mortgage applicants into customers for life. —Geoff Green, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2025

To conceal her involvement, Jones allegedly used a false name and a shell business entity to execute housing authority paperwork. —Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025

Many of the offending cooks got their paperwork in order and fixed their problems after some time. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for paperwork

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• subnetwork
• artwork
• beadwork

Kids Definition

paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk 

: routine office or record-keeping work