paper trail

noun

: documents (such as financial records) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned

Examples of paper trail in a Sentence

They covered up the fraud and were careful not to leave a paper trail.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Both systems provide a paper trail for all ballots cast. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024 The alleged gunman arrested at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, has a lengthy paper trail of pro-Ukraine advocacy, according to several news reports Monday. Jamie Joseph, Fox News, 16 Sep. 2024 This creates a paper trail and showcases your professionalism. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 7 Oct. 2024 An industry that was once operating with Excel spreadsheets and paper trails is increasingly opting for centralized digital platforms. Sj Staff, Sourcing Journal, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paper trail 

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paper trail was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near paper trail

Cite this Entry

“Paper trail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paper%20trail. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

paper trail

noun
: documents (as financial records or published materials) from which a person's actions may be traced or opinions learned
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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