stationery

American  

[stey-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈsteɪ ʃəˌnɛr i /

noun

1. writing paper.

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

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stationery British  

/ ˈsteɪʃənərɪ /

noun

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

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Usage

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.

Commonly Confused

See stationary

Etymology

Origin of stationery

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

Explanation

If your grandmother gives you a set of stationery as a birthday present, it might be a subtle hint to write her a thank you note. Stationery is a set of writing paper that comes with envelopes. Stationery refers to fancy paper you might use for a long-overdue thank you note, an old fashioned cover letter and resume, or even a love letter to a far away friend. Stationery is a tricky word that’s only one letter away from stationary, which means “remaining in one place.” But stationery (with an e) is what you’ll write your grandmother’s thank you note on. Won’t you?

Example Sentences

A Japanese convenience store, known as a “combini,” might include rice balls, stationery and clean pairs of socks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

She shows me her collection of vintage fountain pens, telling me she's "very fetishistic about stationery".

From BBC • May 22, 2026

They became popular symbols of royalty, and in more recent times, were adopted by the upper class for use on stationery, clothing and accessories.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

He then allegedly took her to a small stationery cupboard.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

It turned out that the year before there had been some sort of stationery arms race among the kids, with each trying to have the most unique pens and paper.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

Related Words

• letterhead