An Encylopedia Britannica Company

paper

1 paper /ˈpeɪpɚ/ noun
plural papers
1 paper
/ˈpeɪpɚ/
noun
plural papers
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAPER
[noncount] : the material that is used in the form of thin sheets for writing or printing on, wrapping things, etc.
see also graph paper, scrap paper, silver paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, wax paper, writing paper
[count] : a sheet of paper with information written or printed on it usually plural
papers [plural] : official documents that give information about something or that are used as proof of something
see also walking papers, working papers
[count]
: a piece of writing usually on an academic or official subject
see also position paper
US : a piece of writing that is done for a course at a school
see also term paper
British : an exam or test in which students write answers to written questions
[count] : newspaper
see also funny papers
[count, noncount] : paper that is used to cover or decorate the walls of a room : wallpaper

on paper

: in a written form : in writing
used to say that something seems to be true or likely when you read or hear what is known about it but that the real situation may be different

push paper(s)

informal
: to do boring or unimportant work in an office
see also paper pusher

put/set pen to paper

see 1pen
2 paper /ˈpeɪpɚ/ adjective
2 paper
/ˈpeɪpɚ/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAPER
: made of paper
always used before a noun : of or relating to paper
always used before a noun : existing or shown on paper or in documents but not real
3 paper /ˈpeɪpɚ/ verb
papers; papered; papering
3 paper
/ˈpeɪpɚ/
verb
papers; papered; papering
Britannica Dictionary definition of PAPER
[+ object]
: to cover (something, such as a wall) with paper

paper over

[phrasal verb]
paper (something) over or paper over (something)
: to hide (something bad, such as differences or problems)