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

From arts and crafts kits and sports equipment to stationery and headphones, our list has something for teens with various interests. —Patrice J. Williams, Parents, 12 July 2024

Hawkins-Banda didn’t see stationery that reflected all of her beauty and boldness as a Black woman. —Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 6 July 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, 25 June 2024

Her father owned a department store in Jefferson City and her mother had a stationery shop, Garrity said. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 25 June 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