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.
OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, and Anthropic, home to Claude, filed preliminary paperwork in June for initial public offerings. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 However, the action may not end at 11pm — deal sheets allow clubs to conclude signings two hours after the transfer window closes, provided the correct paperwork is submitted before the deadline. — Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The business groups initially filed paperwork to have Angelenos vote on a referendum on the $30 per hour minimum wage for hotel and airport workers. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 According to the federal government’s own estimate, in 2023, 10,503 million hours were spent filling out paperwork across federal agencies. — Abdullah Shihipar, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for paperwork

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Browse Nearby Words

paper-white narcissus
paperwork
paperworker
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Cite this Entry

“Paperwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperwork. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paperwork

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