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.
Start with the nearest pile of paperwork When getting started on paper clutter, don't worry just yet about what's stashed away in the garage or your office closet. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026 Reddit moderators also checked additional photos and Apple paperwork provided by the owner. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 The test will be whether faster paperwork leads to shorter cases. — Zoë Schiffer, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Kirch said more doctors' offices are getting creative to cover the costs of coordinating with insurance companies – things like checking benefits, running pre-authorizations, or filling out insurance paperwork. — Sara MacHi, CBS News, 28 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paperwork

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