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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The result could be immediate and costly: T-shirts, stationery and other low-price products on popular e-commerce sites and elsewhere could shoot up in price as shipping carriers and sellers factor in new import taxes. Agnes Chang, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Hotels like Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes) and Rosewood London follow similar paths, weaving luxury partnerships (from Dior beachwear to Smythson stationery) directly into the guest experience. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 These sets come with up to 50 cards and envelopes and may include stickers or extra stationery. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 Stella McCartney’s show even took place in an office setting complete with mugs and stationery. Tricia Escobedo, CNN, 13 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stationery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stationery. Accessed 20 May. 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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