stationery

noun

sta·​tio·​nery ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce stationery (audio)
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
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Mark the milestone of purchasing a first home with stationery featuring their brand new address. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025 From there, Riggio built a bookselling empire, known for capacious, comfortable stores with cafés and bathrooms that sold not only books but also stationery, gifts, and desktop items. Kim Velsey, Curbed, 6 Oct. 2025 Browse the thoughtful collection of stationery, entertaining staples, milestone gifts, unique lampshades, and more. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 Catalano recommends Annick Designs for artisanal jewelry and home goods, Troy Cloth & Paper for art prints, graphic tees, and stationery, and Ekologic for upcycled, handcrafted garments. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stationery

Word History

Etymology

stationer

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stationery was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stationery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stationery. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

stationery

noun
sta·​tio·​nery ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce stationery (audio)
1
: materials (as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing
2
: letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

More from Merriam-Webster on stationery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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