First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1paper
noun pa·per \ˈpā-pər\
: the material that is used in the form of thin sheets for writing or printing on, wrapping things, etc.
: a sheet of paper with information written or printed on it
papers : official documents that give information about something or that are used as proof of something
Full Definition of PAPER
1
a (1) : a felted sheet of usually vegetable fibers laid down on a fine screen from a water suspension (2) : a similar sheet of other material (as plastic) b : a piece of paper
2
a : a piece of paper containing a written or printed statement : document <pedigree papers> b : a piece of paper containing writing or print c : a formal written composition often designed for publication and often intended to be read aloud <presented a scholarly paper at the meeting> d : a piece of written schoolwork
3
: a paper container or wrapper
4
5
: the negotiable notes or instruments of commerce
6
7
: tickets; especially : free passes
8
— on paper
1
: in writing <wants these promises on paper>
2
: in theory <the plan looks good on paper>
3
: figured at face value <on paper the stock was worth nearly a million dollars>
See paper defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PAPER
Middle English papir, from Anglo-French, from Latin papyrus papyrus, paper, from Greek papyros papyrus
Other Paper Terms
2paper
verb
: to cover (something, such as a wall) with paper
pa·peredpa·per·ing \ˈpā-p(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of PAPER
transitive verb
1
archaic : to put down or describe in writing
2
: to fold or enclose in paper
3
: to cover or line with paper; especially : to apply wallpaper to
4
: to fill by giving out free passes <paper the theater for opening night>
5
: to cover (an area) with advertising bills, circulars, or posters
intransitive verb
: to hang wallpaper
— pa·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun
See paper defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PAPER
1594
3paper
adjective
: made of paper
: of or relating to paper
: existing or shown on paper or in documents but not real
Full Definition of PAPER
1
a : made of paper, cardboard, or papier-mâché <a paper bag> b : papery
2
: of or relating to clerical work or written communication
3
: existing only in theory : nominal <a paper blockade>
4
: admitted by free passes <a paper audience>
5
: finished with a crisp smooth surface similar to that of paper <paper taffeta>
See paper defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PAPER
1594
Other Paper Terms
PAPER Defined for Kids
1paper
noun pa·per \ˈpā-pər\
Definition of PAPER for Kids
1
: a material made from fibers (as of wood or cloth) and in the form of thin sheets or a sheet or piece of such material <Fold the paper in half.>
2
: a piece of paper having something written or printed on it : document
3
4
: a piece of written schoolwork
5
2paper
adjective
Definition of PAPER for Kids
: made of paper <paper plates>
3paper
verb
pa·peredpa·per·ing
Definition of PAPER for Kids
: to cover with wallpaper <paper a room>
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