paperwork

noun

pa·​per·​work ˈpā-pər-ˌwərk How to pronounce paperwork (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What was meant to curb unnecessary tests and care has metastasized into a back-and-forth obstacle course of paperwork that can stall necessary treatment, ratcheting up stress and driving up costs. Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, Time, 25 Sep. 2025 The president is also expected to extend the pause on enforcing the law by another 120 days so that paperwork and regulatory approvals for the deal can be completed, a senior White House official said Monday. Samantha Waldenberg, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025 Before Tiffany announced his 2026 campaign for governor on Tuesday, Jessi Ebben, a Republican from Stanley who previously ran for a different Wisconsin House seat, filed paperwork to run in the rural northwestern 7th Congressional District. Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Tesla secured a certificate this month to test autonomous cars in Nevada, according to state officials, who did not answer questions about whether Tesla has submitted paperwork to operate robotaxis. Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paperwork

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperwork was in 1899

Cite this Entry

“Paperwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperwork. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

paperwork

noun
pa·​per·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce paperwork (audio)
: routine office or record-keeping work

More from Merriam-Webster on paperwork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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