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

If this becomes normalized, any citizen who lacks immediate access to paperwork and professional counsel becomes vulnerable to incarceration first and verification later. —Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

Documents related to the project — like drafts of the terms or any associated paperwork — will remain confidential and will not be available through the Kansas Open Records Act until the parties execute an agreement, according to the bond agreement state legislators moved forward last month. —Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

Lawrence, of LaFontaine, said dealers are frequently helping customers who misplaced paperwork get copies at tax time and remain prepared to do so. —Susan Tompor, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Marisol Alfonso brought her mother to the library to pick up paperwork to renew their passports. —David Wilson, Daily News, 7 Jan. 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
• artwork
• beadwork

Kids Definition

paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk 

: routine office or record-keeping work