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

This onslaught slowed down USAID’s implementation of programs and created massive amounts of paperwork. — Andrew Natsios, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2026

Experience shows that coverage losses will be high and come from paperwork, not because residents aren’t eligible for Medicaid anymore. — Mandy Cohen, STAT, 12 Nov. 2026

Ossé filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission in November 2025 to explore a challenge to Jeffries in Brooklyn. — Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Nov. 2026

The UConn women’s basketball program made their first commitment to the Class of 2027 official, completing the paperwork and signing Sydney Savoury on Wednesday night. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 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