stationery
UK: ˈsteɪʃənəri | US: ˈsteɪʃəneri
n. Writing materials (e.g., paper, pens, envelopes) used for correspondence or office work.
adj. Relating to such materials (less common usage).
stationery = station<fixed place> + ery<noun suffix denoting category>
- station (from Latin statio "a standing, post, position") → Evolved to mean a fixed place (e.g., trading station, police station).
- ery (suffix from Old French -erie) → Indicates a class of items or goods (e.g., bakery, pottery).
Etymology Origin:
Originally linked to stationers (medieval sellers of books/papers who worked from fixed stalls, unlike itinerant merchants). By the 18th century, "stationery" narrowed to refer specifically to writing materials sold by these vendors. The spelling distinction from stationary (adj. "not moving") emerged to avoid confusion.
She bought colorful stationery to write letters to her friends.
The office manager ordered new stationery for the team.
This shop specializes in handmade stationery.
The contract requires official company stationery for signatures.
He prefers digital notes but keeps stationery for formal occasions.