term paper

American  

noun

1. a long essay, report, or the like, written by a student as an assignment over the course of a term or semester.

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Etymology

Origin of term paper

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Shortly before he allegedly opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, he emailed a document to family members that read like a term paper, including a “rebuttals to objections” section.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

In fairness, the “American Masters” installment is a tribute, not a term paper — and it’s a splendid homage at that.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Any undergraduate who scribbled such gibberish in a history or poli-sci term paper would be advised to switch majors.

From Slate • Dec. 8, 2025

“It’s like having every term paper, every piece of homework that you accumulate from first through 12th grade and in college,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2025

Mrs. Friedman had assigned us a term paper on the French Revolution.

From "Shelter (Book One): A Mickey Bolitar Novel" by Harlan Coben