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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1935, in the meaning defined above
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 21 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
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