white paper

noun

1
: a government report on any subject
especially : a British publication that is usually less extensive than a blue book
2
: a detailed or authoritative report

Examples of white paper in a Sentence

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 finance ministry will propose a new ethics framework in a white paper in the spring, with Norway's parliament expected to vote on the changes in mid-2027. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 That same year, a Chinese government white paper identified outer space as a critical national security domain. — Kathleen Curlee, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026 Late last year, Fabscrap released a white paper charting its explorations of pre-consumer waste materials and making recommendations for the industry to embed circularity upstream. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Footwear loyalists have an emotional connection to their athletic shoe brands, according to a new white paper from CivicScience. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for white paper

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of white paper was in 1884

Rhymes for white paper

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Browse Nearby Words

white pages
white paper
white pareira
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White paper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20paper. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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