walking papers

plural noun

: dismissal, discharge

called also walking ticket

Examples of walking papers 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.
Jay Norvell was given his walking papers last Sunday. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025 But why, then, have 150,000 tech workers been given their walking papers since the start of this year? — Alan Murray, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2023 Alas, the midseason replacement only lasted for 13 episodes before the network gave the show its walking papers. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026 After three fruitless seasons, Jonathan Gannon received his walking papers and now the Cardinals will give another first-year coach a try. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for walking papers

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of walking papers was in 1825

Rhymes for walking papers

See All Rhymes for walking papers

Browse Nearby Words

walking on air
walking papers
walking part
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Walking papers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/walking%20papers. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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