1
: routine work that involves writing letters, reports, etc.
He spent most of the morning doing (his) paperwork.
administrative paperwork
2
: the official documents that are needed for something to happen or be done
She failed to file the paperwork on time.
The lawyer had us fill in the paperwork for the mortgage.
Cite this Entry
“Paperwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/paperwork. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.
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