stationery

noun

sta·​tio·​nery ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce stationery (audio)
1
: materials (such as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing
2
: letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

Did you know?

stationary or stationery?

The Internet is awash with mnemonics (“something (such as a word, a sentence, or a song) that helps people remember something“) designed to assist those who have trouble distinguishing between two similar words. A fair share of these turn out to be for the words stationery and stationary. The most commonly suggested method is to remember that you buy papER at a stationERy store. If this trick does not work for you, then perhaps it will help to remember that a stationery store is one that is run by a stationer. This word was originally applied to a bookseller, but by the middle of the 17th century it began to be used for a person who sells papers, pens, and office goods.

Examples of stationery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The two would also use yellow or white pads (bought at a stationery store on Ventura Boulevard, Henley recalled) to shape lyrics and melodies. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Parchment Fine Papers has gorgeous notebooks, stationery, invitations, wrapping paper, and gorgeous gifts, all in a charming boutique in the Sconset area of the island. Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2024 Pink Antlers Located at Park Place Village in Leawood, this mother-and-daughters run shop offers tasteful home goods, stationery and baby items for everyone on your list. Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024 The chain, now a global company, sells all sorts of knickknacks and household goods, including stationery and snacks, for mostly under $1 apiece. Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 19 Feb. 2024 To make people feel appreciated, to take time away from technology, and to sit down with only your stationery and thoughts is hardly to be considered a chore. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2024 If one member of the couple is taking the other’s last name, traditional etiquette states that stationery shouldn’t feature their joint last name or monogram until after the wedding. Eleni Gage, wsj.com, 12 Jan. 2024 And so Howland, whose father owned a stationery store, set about making valentines of her own. Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024 From her stationery brand to her family, here's everything to know about Shelley Long's daughter, Juliana Tyson Kissick. Jessica Booth, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stationery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

stationer

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stationery was in 1727

Dictionary Entries Near stationery

Cite this Entry

“Stationery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stationery. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stationery

noun
sta·​tio·​nery ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce stationery (audio)
1
: materials (as paper, pens, and ink) for writing or typing
2
: letter paper usually accompanied with matching envelopes

More from Merriam-Webster on stationery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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