STATIONERY Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

stationery

[ stey-shuh-ner-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

writing paper.
writing materials, as pens, pencils, paper, and envelopes.

stationery

/ ˈ��ٱ�ɪʃə��ə��ɪ /

noun

any writing materials, such as paper, envelopes, pens, ink, rulers, etc

Discover More

Usage

See stationary

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of stationery¹

First recorded in 1670–80; stationer + -y ³

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The new owner will rebrand the network of High Street news and stationery outlets as TGJones, marking an end for WH Smith which set up its first shop in London in 1792.

From

A dozen pre-prepared bags, full of items a child might need if their family is in crisis, hang on pegs near the stationery cupboard.

From

Warrant holders are allowed to use the coat of arms of the royal they are associated with on packaging, as part of advertising or on stationery.

From

Whether it’s stationery, a book you loved, a special pen, a plant or a tray of goodies from a favorite bakery, it only takes a few minutes to figure out a meaningful — and appropriate — gift.

From

"I need to pick up food, books, stationery, pens, pencils... clothes in general and bags", she said.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Discover More

Stationery Vs. Stationary

What’s the difference between stationery and stationary?

Stationery with an e is a noun that refers to paper for writing or writing materials. It most commonly refers to nice paper for writing, such as fancy notecards or special monogrammed paper for writing letters—you normally wouldn’t call just any old paper stationery. Stationary with an a is typically used as an adjective that means standing still, fixed in place, or not moving, as in a stationary bike or Face the camera and try to remain stationary.

The two words mean completely different things, so the trick is remembering which spelling to use for each.

Try this: think of the e in stationery as standing for envelope. Think of the a in stationary as standing for anchor, which keeps it fixed in place.

Here’s an example of stationery and stationary used correctly in a sentence.

Example: If you think about it, paperweights were invented to keep stationery stationary.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between stationery and stationary.

Quiz yourself on stationery vs. stationary!

Should stationery or stationary be used in the following sentence?

I love writing letters on hotel _____.

Browse