paperwork

American  

[pey-per-wurk] / ˈpeɪ pərˌwɜrk /

noun

1. written or clerical work, as records or reports, forming a necessary but often a routine and secondary part of some work or job.

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paperwork British  

/ ˈpeɪpəˌwɜːk /

noun

1. clerical work, such as the completion of forms or the writing of reports or letters

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Usage

What does paperwork mean? Paperwork is the task of filling out forms, especially when they’re literally on paper.More generally, paperwork refers to routine clerical and administrative work like recordkeeping and processing documents (regardless of whether they’re on paper).Paperwork can be done as part of one’s job (the boring part), or in any setting that involves filling out forms, such as buying a house or a car or applying for a job. Doing so is often referred to as filling out (the) paperwork, doing (the) paperwork, or completing (the) paperwork.Paperwork is a collective noun, meaning it appears in a singular form but refers to such tasks as a group.Example: Applying for a job with the government required her to fill out an incredible amount of paperwork about her family history, education, and travel activity.

Etymology

Origin of paperwork

First recorded in 1580–90; paper + work

Example Sentences

They were required to wait for final approval on their visa or refugee paperwork.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

They avoid anything official at all costs, anything that involves paperwork.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

The former “Diff’rent Strokes” actor, 60, filed paperwork asking to end his marriage Tuesday in Arizona, Us Weekly reported Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Confidentially filing IPO paperwork has become popular since it was introduced 14 years ago.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The stack of mail and paperwork in the “IN” tray is again much higher than the stack in the “OUT” tray.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• filing