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

Trademark filings also indicated that Meghan might also try to sell salad dressing, personal journals, cocktail napkins, letter-openers and stationery, garden tools like hand trowels, decorative string lights, and pet supplies, including pet leashes and collars, Vanity Fair reported. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2024

Brent also has a line of stationery with Paper Source. —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024

For the letter writers Meagan Christensen Personalized Stationery Cards $68+ at Minted The minute a couple gets engaged, registry gifts start rolling in—which makes personalized stationery a stellar choice. —Eleni Gage, wsj.com, 12 Jan. 2024

Catherine, an artist who makes custom invitation and stationery, says that after the first poisoning on March 17, doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. —Christine Pelisek, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024

The Consumer segment provides consumer bandages, braces, supports, and consumer respirators; cleaning products for the home; retail abrasives, paint accessories, car care D.I.Y. products, picture hanging, and consumer air quality solutions; and stationery products. —Joe Cornell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

Send a little snail mail love with this straightforward stationery template. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024

Founded in 1993, the company is considered to be one of the oldest online stationery delivery services in the US. —Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

The two would also use yellow or white pads (bought at a stationery store on Ventura Boulevard, Henley recalled) to shape lyrics and melodies. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 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