White Paper – A printed government document detailing a proposed future law, with information on the issues

Note: A white paper is the precursor to a bill, another government document containing more detailed wording which has to be approved by Parliament before it becomes law.

To remember the definition of the word white paper, use the following mnemonic:

White wallpaper (white paper) overprinted with details of future laws was suddenly all the rage - but you could run up a big bill because it was expensive.

Examples of white paper in a sentence

The hundred-page white paper was sent directly to the prime minister.

They decided not to publish the draft white paper they prepared, it was full of spelling mistakes and needed to be changed.

All the laws detailed in the white paper were thrown out, they were all ridiculous.