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

Example Sentences

Instead of resting, I spend the morning working on my letter, on Lighthouse Motel stationery I found tucked in the drawer of the nightstand.

From Literature

Jack paused, grabbed a pen and stationery from the kitchen hutch, went back to his seat at the table and began to write.

From The Wall Street Journal

But 10 days later, one came, containing both praise and a considered critique - the original USB stick taped neatly to the personalised stationery bearing the broadcaster's name.

From BBC

He then allegedly took her to a small stationery cupboard.

From BBC

They stand for as many as eight hours a day in front of an antique press, printing custom cards, invitations and stationery.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• letterhead