WordGarden.iopaper
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈeɪpə/
US
- /ˈpeɪpər/
Meanings
Noun
a thin material made in sheets for writing, printing, or wrapping
an essay, report, or research article on a subject
a newspaper, especially a printed daily edition
More meaningsFewer meanings
an official document proving identity, permission, or status
a set of exam questions or written answers for an exam
Beyond the definition
Paper is not just what you write on. It is a very useful material with a long history. The word comes from "papyrus," the writing material used in ancient Egypt, but most paper today is made from wood pulp. We use it for writing letters, printing books, making origami, wrapping presents, and much more.
But "paper" is not always a physical object. You can "write a paper" for school, meaning an essay or research report. You can also talk about "papers," meaning official documents that show a person's identity or legal status. In everyday English, "the paper" can also mean a newspaper.
Paper, at its core, is a thin sheet material produced from wood pulp, rags, grasses, or other fibrous substances. For centuries, it has been the foundation of communication, record-keeping, and artistic expression. From its early development in ancient China to modern newspapers and digital printouts, paper has evolved alongside human civilization.
The process of making paper involves breaking down plant fibers into a slurry, spreading it onto a screen to drain the water, and then drying and pressing the resulting mat. Different types of paper are created by varying the materials and the manufacturing process - think of the contrast between glossy magazine pages and rough watercolor paper.
However, the word "paper" extends far beyond the physical material. It is commonly used to refer to formal written work, such as a "research paper" assigned in school, or legal documents collectively known as "papers." You might hear about someone having their "papers in order," meaning they possess all necessary identification and documentation.
Furthermore, "paper" can describe things that are flimsy, insubstantial, or purely theoretical. A "paper tiger" is a person or organization that appears threatening but lacks real power. A "paper trail" refers to a series of documents that provide evidence of an activity or transaction. Whether you are writing a novel, filing important documents, or following a trail of records, this humble material is woven into the very fabric of our daily lives.
Examples
- 1
Stationery
She tore a sheet of paper from her notebook and handed it to me.
- 2
Recycling
Please use the recycling bin for paper and cardboard.
- 3
Gift wrapping
I need to buy some wrapping paper for the gift.
- 4
Newspaper
Did you read the story in the local paper?
- Phrasethe paper
the newspaper
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
School writing
I have to write a ten-page paper for my history class.
- 6
Academic article
Her paper on child development was published in a medical journal.
- Patterna paper on + subject
a formal article about that subject
- 7
Official documents
The lawyer asked us to sign the papers before Friday.
- 8
Disposable items
The restaurant uses paper cups and wooden forks.
- 9
In theory
On paper, the plan looks simple, but it will be hard to manage.
- Phraseon paper
in theory, before it is tested in real life
- 10
Hiding problems
The report tried to paper over the company’s serious problems.
- Patternpaper over + problem
hide it instead of dealing with it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- papernounverb
Forms
- paperspluralnounverb
- paperedpast tenseverbnoun
- papering-ing formverbnoun