paper trail

noun

: documents (such as financial records) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned

Examples of paper trail in a Sentence

They covered up the fraud and were careful not to leave a paper trail.
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.
Outside of this, there is no paper trail or evidence of their involvement with the cemetery. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 But that’s my assumption, based on my conversations with National and you, in addition to your paper trail. Christopher Elliott The Travel Troubleshooter, Sun Sentinel, 5 May 2025 Maintain a paper trail of AI approvals, bias tests, and security checks. Anthony Green, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 But sending the email request to the EPA does create a paper trail that companies may want to consider. Tracy J. Wholf, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paper trail

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper trail was in 1935

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paper trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20trail. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

paper trail

noun
: documents (as financial records or published materials) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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