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

Platner’s paperwork was received by the Maine secretary of state’s office and reflected shortly thereafter in its online withdrawal list. — Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026

Jackson had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to launch a Senate exploratory committee. — Kimberlee Kruesi, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

The Dutch one was due to be disabled, while the Swedish one was awaiting import paperwork. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2026

In interviews with The War Horse, members of local chapters said DAV’s national organization was quick to suspend chapters that made financial or paperwork errors. — Sonner Kehrt, Sacbee.com, 9 July 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