stationery

[ stey-shuh-ner-ee ]

noun

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

stationery

/ ˈsteɪʃənərɪ /

noun

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

Usage

See stationary

Word History and Origins

Origin of stationery¹

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

Example Sentences

You’ll find QR codes on menus, packaging, posters, brochures, stationery, and other items.

From Popular-Science

Your name should reflect your business’ real-world name, as used consistently on your storefront, website, stationery, and as known to customers.

From Search Engine Land

It sold an array of clothing, jewelry, handbags and stationery, earning it the nickname “the palace of trade.”

From Washington Post

She had personal stationery printed for the use of the family many years ago.

From Washington Post

Volunteer to arrange for the next printing of the stationery — surely, after 10 years, it is time.

From Washington Post

Cheap stationery found at writing desks and office drawers around the world has been used for love letters to the city.

From The Daily Beast

I own a stationery company that focuses mostly on custom orders.

From The Daily Beast

So when I decided to launch my own stationery company in 2009, my choice of selling platform was simple.

From The Daily Beast

Jerry Garcia had ordered turtle-engraved stationery from the company just months before his death in 1995.

From The Daily Beast

At Pentagon procurement prices, the cost of switching the stationery alone would be astronomical.

From The Daily Beast

They acquiesced delightedly and accordingly that evening a huge bundle of stationery was left at their door.

From Project Gutenberg

On heavily-crested stationery follow the missives of the ladies whose daughters would make sweet bridesmaids.

From Project Gutenberg

"Wait here a few minutes," and he darted into a nearby store where they sold stationery.

From Project Gutenberg

Within the past two months manufacturers have received a letter on the stationery of the International Exhibition, Paris, 1914.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw that the stationery cabinet had been disturbed and laughed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• letterhead

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 _____.