Definition of stationery

The word "stationery" has a fascinating history! It originates from the 16th-century Latin phrase "statio", meaning "a place of rest" or "station". In the early 17th century, the term "stationery" emerged to describe goods or supplies that were stored and kept at a station or a fixed place, such as a shop or a warehouse. Over time, the term "stationery" came to specifically refer to office supplies like paper, ink, and writing instruments that were sold and supplied by stationers, or retailers who operated from a fixed location. Today, the term "stationery" encompasses a wide range of writing and art materials, including pens, pencils, notebooks, and more. Despite its evolution, the word "stationery" still retains its roots in the idea of a fixed location or a place where supplies are stored and distributed.