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.
One-stop online shops, like the one in Dallas, might be an improvement over having to drive paperwork to the bureaucrats, but the real problem is that the rules aren’t simple enough for even sophisticated developers to understand. Andrew Wimer, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 She was joined by Schuman, who appeared as her legal representative and asserted Brown was unable to complete paperwork or receive messages left over the phone, the complaint says. Julia Marnin july 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025 Incremental change Today, hospitals are rapidly adopting AI scribes that listen during patient visits and automatically draft clinical notes, reducing paperwork and letting physicians spend more time with patients. Turgay Ayer, The Conversation, 11 July 2025 That increases the chances of typos or paperwork errors, like incorrect birth data, which in turn could now lead to the loans being rejected. Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 10 July 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 21 Jul. 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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