[ˈpeɪpə], (Noun)

Definitions:
- material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing, drawing, or printing on, or as wrapping material
(e.g: a sheet of paper)

- a sheet of paper with something written or printed on it
(e.g: he riffled through the papers on his desk)

- a set of examination questions to be answered at one session
(e.g: we had to sit a three-hour paper)

- an essay or dissertation, especially one read at an academic lecture or seminar or published in an academic journal
(e.g: he published a highly original paper on pattern formation)

- free passes of admission to a theatre or other entertainment


Phrases:
- be not worth the paper it is written on
- make the papers
- on paper

Origin:
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French papir, from Latin papyrus ‘paper-reed’ (see papyrus). The verb dates from the late 16th century

[ˈpeɪpə], (Verb)

Definitions:
- apply wallpaper to (a wall or room)
(e.g: the walls were papered in a Regency stripe)

- fill (a theatre) by giving out free tickets
(e.g: surely the theatre could at least have papered the house if the box office was looking so poor)


Phrases:
- be not worth the paper it is written on
- make the papers
- on paper

Origin:
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French papir, from Latin papyrus ‘paper-reed’ (see papyrus). The verb dates from the late 16th century