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

Khalil’s high-profile detention came amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, and he may still be deported on the basis of paperwork errors in his citizenship application. —Ben Smith, semafor.com, 20 June 2025

According to multiple sources, Gor has yet to submit paperwork regarding his own background, which is needed for a permanent security clearance. —Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025

More Paperwork The Senate bill also adopts many of the House’s additional paperwork requirements for those applying for Medicaid or trying to keep benefits. —Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

The doctor will then train a hearing aid novice on how to insert, charge, and clean the aids and go over any lingering paperwork that needs to be dealt with. —Christopher Null, Wired News, 19 June 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