Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 paperwork /(pā"pẽr*wûrk`)/ · pa·per·work · IPA /ˈpeɪ.pɚˌwɝk/ 01 n. Work that involves handling or writing documents such as forms, letters, reports, sales records, etc. 1. Work that involves handling or writing documents such as forms, letters, reports, sales records, etc.