noun
Common
papers
PAY-puhz
Papers (noun) means Official identity or travel documents, such as a passport or visa. Example: “The border guard asked to see their papers.”
noun
1
Official identity or travel documents, such as a passport or visa.
"Toward the end of the war, Benoit was sent off on his own with forged papers; he wound up working as a horse groom at a chalet in the Loire valley. Mandelbrot describes this harrowing youth with great sangfroid."
— Brian Hayes, Father of Fractals (2013)
"The border guard asked to see their papers."
"He lost his papers while travelling and had a hard time getting home."
"Before boarding, every passenger must have their papers checked at the desk."
"He lost his bag and, with it, all his papers, so he could not leave."
2
A collection of personal or professional documents and correspondence, often kept in an archive.
"The historian was granted access to the senator's private papers."
"Her grandfather's papers were donated to the university library after he died."
"Researchers spent months reading the writer's letters and papers stored in the museum basement."
How to use papers
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOfficial ID documents, or a body of documents/letters someone has kept.
Common pairings
show your papers
personal papers
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The border guard asked to see their _____.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “papers” mean?
The word “papers” means official identity or travel documents, such as a passport or visa. In plain terms, official ID documents, or a body of documents/letters someone has kept.
How do you pronounce “papers”?
“Papers” is pronounced PAY-puhz (/ˈpeɪpɚz/ in IPA).
How do you use “papers” in a sentence?
Here is “papers” used in a sentence: “The border guard asked to see their papers.”
What part of speech is “papers”?
“Papers” is a noun.
Is “papers” a common word?
“Papers” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “papers” have?
“Papers” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: official identity or travel documents, such as a passport or visa.
What is the difference between papers and documents?
In this sense they overlap, but "papers" specifically means official personal records that prove who you are or your right to travel or stay — a passport, visa, or permit. "Documents" is broader, covering any formal written record, official or not. All such papers are documents, but not all documents are papers.
What are examples of papers?
In this sense, papers are the official documents that establish identity, status, or permission: a passport, national identity card, visa, residence or work permit, and travel documents. Border officials or authorities may ask to see them. The word gathers these personal, legally significant records under one everyday term.
Why are papers important?
Papers prove who you are and your legal right to travel, work, or remain somewhere. Without them, crossing borders, starting a job, or accessing certain services can be difficult or impossible. Because they carry official authority, losing them or having them checked can have serious practical and legal consequences.
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