office supply

noun

plural office supplies
1
a
: a physical resource (such as a writing implement, fastener, folder, paper, ink, etc.) that is needed for working in an office
usually plural
All these jobs, as I see them, would require a full complement of office supplies: every conceivable kind of clip and clasp, name-brand ball-point pens, … bottles of correction fluid, ammo-like refills for various desktop mechanisms, and cool, smooth, hard pads of narrow-lined paper.David Owen
[Arthur] Fry, who came up with the idea …, says his life has changed little despite the success of Post-its, which are a best-seller among office supplies.Rahul Jacob
ODP sells office supplies; office furniture; technology products and services; cleaning, breakroom and facilities products; business machines and related supplies; and personal protective equipment at more than 800 Office Depot and OfficeMax stores and online.David Elman
usually singular before another noun
an office supply store/business/dealer
b
: a business that sells office supplies
Main Street Office Supply
2
: the amount of commercial real estate available for use as office space in a particular area
Office transactions in Manhattan have slowed dramatically as remote work and cost-cutting measures reduce demand for space. Nearly a fifth of the city's office supply is available for rent …Natalie Wong

Examples of office supply in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An office supply store is closing a location in the Kansas City area. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 For nonfood uses, ice cube trays make great jewelry, office supply and craft organizers. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 It was boosted not by electronics or fashion but by office supplies and books — categories driven by practical need. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 June 2026 The retailer also offers office supplies like notebooks and staplers. Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for office supply

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of office supply was in 1857

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Cite this Entry

“Office supply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/office%20supply. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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