Paperwork Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Paperwork Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary paperwork 1 ENTRIES FOUND: paperwork (noun) paperwork /ˈpeɪpɚˌwɚk/ noun paperwork /ˈpeɪpɚˌwɚk/ noun Britannica Dictionary definition of PAPERWORK [noncount] 1  : routine work that involves writing letters, reports, etc. He spent most of the morning doing (his) paperwork. administrative paperwork [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  : the official documents that are needed for something to happen or be done She failed to file the paperwork on time. The lawyer had us fill in the paperwork for the mortgage. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR What types of nouns are always capitalised? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY passive : used to describe someone who does not fight what other people do or decide Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.