White paper
Also called: whitepaper
ELI5
A detailed document that teaches readers about a problem or solution.
Used in conversation
“The white paper should disclose the basis of its claims.”
Definition
An evidence-led document explaining a problem, technology, policy or proposed approach, often used to educate or build authority.
Here “White paper” means: An evidence-led document explaining a problem, technology, policy or proposed approach, often used to educate or build authority.
Pitch context
You will see “White paper” in business pitches, proposals, executive summaries and decision decks when the discussion reaches business deck types.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret business deck types without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Sources & evidence · 3
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — YC Startup Library — fundraising and pitching resourcesSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16