English Reference
Noun

stationery

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈsteɪʃəˌnɛɹi/ UK /stˈeɪʃənəɹi/ sta·tionery UK spelling stationeries

n.the materials you use for writing, such as paper, envelopes, and pens. You often buy these in a special shop for office or school supplies.

n.writing materials and office supplies, including paper, envelopes, and writing implements. Often refers specifically to high-quality paper used for personal or formal correspondence.


SIMPLE

I need to buy some new stationery for my office.

CONTEXTUAL

The company ordered custom stationery featuring the new logo to ensure all outgoing letters looked professional.

COMPLEX

While digital communication has become the standard, there remains a niche market for luxury stationery crafted from heavy, cream-coloured paper and finished with hand-pressed wax seals.

Usage

Uncountable; used with singular verb agreement. Often confused with the adjective 'stationary'.

Don't confuse

stationery vs stationary — Stationary describes a lack of movement, while stationery refers to paper and writing supplies.

Pitfall
I bought some stationeriesI bought some stationery

Stationery is uncountable and does not have a plural form.

Children will also be able to pick up free stationery, pencil cases and water bottles.

BBC News· 29 Aug 2026

Videos of people showing off their Japan "haul" of flavoured KitKats, stationery and clothes have become popular on social media.

BBC News· 29 Aug 2026

From stationer + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated