1 pa·per
Pronounced:
/ˈpeɪpɚ/
Function:
nounInflected forms:
plural pa·persMeaning:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
put/set pen to paper —see 1pen