Everyday · Commonly confused · Books & writing
Stationery: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Stationery noun. Paper, envelopes, pens and other things for writing.
How to say it
STAY-shuh-nuh-ree/ˈsteɪʃ(ə)n(ə)ri/ · American /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛri/
4 syllables, stressed on the first (STAY).
Stationery in a sentence
She keeps a whole drawer of pretty stationery she's too fond of to use.
The new stationery came printed with the firm's logo.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- writing materials
- paper
Usage note
Stationery with an e is for envelopes; stationary with an a means at a standstill.
Don’t confuse with stationary
stationary (adjective): Not moving, or not changing.
Where stationery comes from
From stationer, a medieval bookseller who kept a fixed stall rather than travelling.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The new _____ came printed with the firm's logo.
- effect
- stationery
- ordnance
Show the answer
stationery: The new stationery came printed with the firm's logo.