stationery

noun

sta·​tio·​nery ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē 

1

: materials (such as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing

2

: letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

Did you know?

stationary or stationery?

The Internet is awash with mnemonics (“something (such as a word, a sentence, or a song) that helps people remember something“) designed to assist those who have trouble distinguishing between two similar words. A fair share of these turn out to be for the words stationery and stationary. The most commonly suggested method is to remember that you buy papER at a stationERy store. If this trick does not work for you, then perhaps it will help to remember that a stationery store is one that is run by a stationer. This word was originally applied to a bookseller, but by the middle of the 17th century it began to be used for a person who sells papers, pens, and office goods.

Examples of stationery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Horowitz’s disinclination to pay his bills has inspired complaints over the years, some on legal stationery. —Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024

There are also several bow clips, a charm keychain, and on-theme stationery. —Victoria Montalti, refinery29.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Simplicity Personalized Flat Stationery Set $22 at Amazon Custom stationery is always in style. —Addie Morton, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2024

Choose from 13 bold envelope colors, like turquoise, hot pink, and lemon, to complete the cheery stationery set. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

stationer

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stationery

noun

sta·​tio·​nery ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē 

1

: materials (as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing

2

: letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes