working paper

noun

1

a

: a paper on which tentative figures, memoranda, data, or analyses of accounts are set down during the conduct of a survey (as an audit) of a business

b

: a tentative statement prepared to serve as a basis for discussion or negotiation

2

working papers plural : official documents legalizing the employment of a minor

before being employed the boy had to produce his working papers

Word History

Etymology

working, gerund of work entry 3

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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