stationery

American  

[stey-shuh-ner-ee] / ˈsteɪ ʃəˌnɛr i /

noun

1. writing paper.

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

---

stationery British  

/ ˈsteɪʃənərɪ /

noun

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

---

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

Example Sentences

It also operates 72 Paper Source stationery and gift stores.

From The Wall Street Journal

As well as books, the chain stocks pens, reading lights, games, wrapping paper and other stationery.

From BBC

She marched to the front parlor, where Lady Constance’s personal stationery was kept in an antique writing desk worth more than a whole fleet of governesses could earn in a year.

From Literature

The first was on the most elegant stationery Penelope had ever seen.

From Literature

The sand products, which are imported from China and sold throughout Australia between 2020 and 2025, are sold by several stationery supply chains, including one of the country's most popular retailers, Officeworks.

From BBC

Related Words

• letterhead