1pa·per 
/ˈpeɪpɚ/ noun
plural pa·pers /ˈpeɪpɚ/ noun 1 [noncount] : the material that is used in the form of thin sheets for writing or printing on, wrapping things, etc.
▪ We'll need pens, glue, and some paper. ▪ Be sure to print/write the letter on good paper. ▪ She wrapped the present in pretty paper [=wrapping paper] and put a bow on the top. ▪ a sheet of paper ▪ He scribbled the number on a scrap of paper. ▪ a crumpled/torn piece of paper ▪ a pad of paper — see also graph paper, scrap paper, silver paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, wax paper, writing paper 2 a [count] : a sheet of paper with information written or printed on it — usually plural ▪ A pile of papers blew off the desk. ▪ She has possession of the writer's personal papers.
b papers [plural] : official documents that give information about something or that are used as proof of something
▪ The border guards asked to see my papers. ▪ divorce papers ▪ legal papers — see also walking papers, working papers 3 [count] a : a piece of writing usually on an academic or official subject
▪ They published a landmark paper in 1995. ▪ She presented a paper [=she delivered a speech about a written work] at the conference. ▪ a scientific paper ▪ a government paper — see also position paper
b US : a piece of writing that is done for a course at a school
▪ He handed in a paper [=essay] about the nesting habits of birds. ▪ The teacher was busy grading papers. — see also term paper
c Brit : an exam or test in which students write answers to written questions
▪ She did well on her history paper. 4 [count] : newspaper
▪ a news story in the local paper ▪ the morning paper ▪ Did you hear what the papers are saying/reporting? ▪ It was the sort of thing you read about in the papers. — see also funny papers 5 [count, noncount] : paper that is used to cover or decorate the walls of a room : wallpaper
▪ She picked a light green paper for the living room.
▪ We'll need pens, glue, and some paper. ▪ Be sure to print/write the letter on good paper. ▪ She wrapped the present in pretty paper [=wrapping paper] and put a bow on the top. ▪ a sheet of paper ▪ He scribbled the number on a scrap of paper. ▪ a crumpled/torn piece of paper ▪ a pad of paper — see also graph paper, scrap paper, silver paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, wax paper, writing paper
b papers [plural] : official documents that give information about something or that are used as proof of something
▪ The border guards asked to see my papers. ▪ divorce papers ▪ legal papers — see also walking papers, working papers
▪ They published a landmark paper in 1995. ▪ She presented a paper [=she delivered a speech about a written work] at the conference. ▪ a scientific paper ▪ a government paper — see also position paper
b US : a piece of writing that is done for a course at a school
▪ He handed in a paper [=essay] about the nesting habits of birds. ▪ The teacher was busy grading papers. — see also term paper
c Brit : an exam or test in which students write answers to written questions
▪ She did well on her history paper.
▪ a news story in the local paper ▪ the morning paper ▪ Did you hear what the papers are saying/reporting? ▪ It was the sort of thing you read about in the papers. — see also funny papers
▪ She picked a light green paper for the living room.
on paper 1 : in a written form : in writing
▪ He finally put his ideas on paper. [=he finally wrote down his ideas] 2 — 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 ▪ The other team looked better on paper, but we beat them anyway. ▪ On paper, the procedure is relatively simple.
▪ He finally put his ideas on paper. [=he finally wrote down his ideas]
push paper(s)
informal : to do boring or unimportant work in an office
▪ She wanted to be a pilot, but instead she ended up pushing papers in a government job. — see also paper pusher
▪ She wanted to be a pilot, but instead she ended up pushing papers in a government job. — see also paper pusher
put/set pen to paper — see 1pen
