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.
The approval, announced May 8, is pending verification of paperwork. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025 This global competition is transforming immigration paperwork into an economic strategy, aiming for technological dominance. Arafat Kabir, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 But even amid those positive signs, the speaker hasn’t unlocked any public matching funds — in part due to persistent paperwork issues — which could hamper her ability to get her message out as the Democratic mayoral primary looms just weeks away. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025 Parents will be able to fill out paperwork to apply for free or reduced price lunch starting July 14 at www.myschoolapps.com. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 May 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 22 May. 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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