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

When Beck finished, his lawyer asked Leigh to follow her to the table to sign some paperwork. — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Paramount filed paperwork of its own Wednesday, just before the virtual hearing, essentially telling the Garden State senator to mind his own business. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Dismissing a player does require paperwork, and clearly there was a legal element. — Mac Engel september 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026

Businesses have spent years moving records, contracts, invoices, and other paperwork into digital systems. — Karen Koehler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Sep. 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