Paper

/ˈpeɪpər/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A thin material made from the pulped cellulose fibers of wood or other plants used for writing, printing, or packaging.
She wrote her notes on a piece of paper during the lecture.
A scholarly article or report on a specific topic, often presented at a conference or published in a journal.
He published his research paper in a reputable scientific journal.
A document with legal or official significance.
They signed the paper to finalize the contract.
The material on which currency is printed.
The thief stole a bag full of paper money.
verb
To cover or decorate an interior surface with wallpaper.
She decided to paper the living room with a floral design.

Etymology

From Old French 'papier', derived from Latin 'papyrus'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

paper trail:
A series of documents that provide evidence of an activity.
paper jam:
A malfunction in a printer where the paper gets stuck.
newsprint:
Paper used for printing newspapers.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Money, particularly in large amounts.
He's got a lot of paper after the successful project.
A degree or diploma.
She just earned her paper from university.