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

The schoolwide free lunch program stops meal debt from accumulating, reduces stigma associated with public benefits, and removes the need to collect and verify meal applications for four years — reducing the paperwork burden on families and schools. — Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026

The officer in February 2025 filed paperwork with the county appraiser stating his possession of the home. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

The band is still adjusting to the normal aspects of label life, like abiding by an album rollout plan, scheduling press interviews, and filling out paperwork. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Enroll your baby before the clock runs out Ensuring your newborn has health coverage is one of the first paperwork responsibilities that parents face in the whirlwind of bringing a baby home. — Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 21 Oct. 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