Stationery refers to materials for writing and office use, such as paper, pens, and envelopes. It contrasts with budget items and finished goods, focusing on consumables and supplies rather than equipment. In common usage, stationery denotes the actual writing supplies kept for daily tasks, while its homograph stationery (with a different pronunciation) refers to the place where a station is located or, historically, the goods sold by a stationer.
Full pronunciation guide
