stationery

[stey-shuh-ner-ee]

noun

1. writing paper.

2. writing materials, as pens, pencils, paper, and envelopes.

stationery

/ ˈsteɪʃənərɪ /

noun

1. any writing materials, such as paper, envelopes, pens, ink, rulers, etc

Confusables Note

See stationary

Word History and Origins

Origin of stationery¹

First recorded in 1670–80; stationer + -y ³

Example Sentences

Carl Walker, chair of the Jersey Consumer Council, said: "It could cost up to £400 per child to prepare them for school – not just uniforms, but stationery, lunch boxes, haircuts, coats, everything. It's absolutely extortionate."

From BBC

Helen Dickinson, the BRC's chief executive, said there was some respite for parents as the new academic year approaches, with cheaper clothing, books and stationery.

From BBC

Business owners, like Mohammed Hanif Waka, who owns a stationery shop in the capital, says he has lost many customers since putting up prices.

From BBC

She uses Poundland to pick up snacks for her sons' packed lunches, stationery and birthday cards for school, plus shampoo, shower gel and cleaning products.

From BBC

When she’s not in the DP office, she enjoys browsing through stationery stores or looking for a new iced latte flavor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• letterhead 

When To Use

What’s the difference between stationery and stationary?

Stationery with an e is a noun that refers to paper for writing or writing materials. It most commonly refers to nice paper for writing, such as fancy notecards or special monogrammed paper for writing letters—you normally wouldn’t call just any old paper stationery. Stationary with an a is typically used as an adjective that means standing still, fixed in place, or not moving, as in a stationary bike or Face the camera and try to remain stationary.The two words mean completely different things, so the trick is remembering which spelling to use for each.Try this: think of the e in stationery as standing for envelope. Think of the a in stationary as standing for anchor, which keeps it fixed in place.Here’s an example of stationery and stationary used correctly in a sentence.Example: If you think about it, paperweights were invented to keep stationery stationary.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between stationery and stationary.