Contents
Office supplies are essential tools for any office worker. Writing instruments like ballpoint pens and highlighters, and knowing their names, can help you communicate effectively in your workplace. Understanding terms for office furniture such as desks, chairs, and filing cabinets will also make navigating the office easier.
This reference includes lists of stationery items, pictures, and examples of office supplies. This information will help you become more familiar with the tools and furniture in an office setting.
Office Supplies List
List of Office Supplies
- Stapler
- Eraser
- Push-pin
- Drawing pin (U.K)/ Thumbtack (U.S)
- Paper clip
- Rubber stamp
- Highlighter
- Fountain pen
- Pencil
- Marker
- Ballpoint
- Bulldog clip
- Tape dispenser
- Pencil sharpener
- Label
- Calculator
- Glue
- Scissors
- Sticky notes
- Paper
- Notebook
- Envelope
- Clipboard
- Monitor
- Computer
- Keyboard
- Folder
- Fax
- Filing cabinet
- Telephone
- Swivel chair
- Desk
- Wastebasket
Office Supplies List with Pictures and Examples
Learn these office supplies names to enlarge your vocabulary in English.
Stapler
A stapler is a device used to fasten sheets of paper or other materials together by driving a thin metal staple through them. It is commonly used in offices, schools, and homes.
- Example: The secretary used the stapler to attach the papers together before filing them in the cabinet.
Eraser
An eraser is a small tool used to remove pencil marks or other markings from paper or other surfaces. It is commonly made of rubber or vinyl.
- Example: The student used the eraser to correct the mistake on his math homework.
Push-pin
A push pin is a small, pointed tack with a flat head that is used to attach papers or other lightweight items to a bulletin board or other surface.
- Example: The teacher used a push pin to attach the notice to the bulletin board for all the students to see.
Drawing pin (U.K)/ Thumbtack (U.S)
A drawing pin is a small, pointed tack with a round head that is used to attach papers or other lightweight items to a bulletin board or other surface.
- Example: The designer used a drawing pin to attach the fabric samples to the mood board.
Paper clip
A paper clip is a small, thin piece of metal that is used to hold sheets of paper together. It is commonly shaped like a loop with two curved sides.
- Example: The assistant used a paper clip to keep the documents organized before filing them in the cabinet.
Rubber stamp
A rubber stamp is a small device with a raised design or text that is coated with ink and pressed onto paper or other surfaces to create a printed image or message.
- Example: The librarian used a rubber stamp to mark the due date on the book before lending it to the student.
Highlighter
A highlighter is a pen-like device used to mark or highlight important text in a document or book. It is commonly used in studying or note-taking.
- Example: The student used a yellow highlighter to mark the key points in the textbook before the exam.
Fountain pen
A fountain pen is a pen that uses a reservoir of liquid ink to write. The ink flows to the nib of the pen through a feed and is held in the reservoir by a cap or other mechanism.
- Example: The writer used a fountain pen to sign the book during the book signing event.
Pencil
A pencil is a writing tool that uses a graphite or colored lead core encased in wood or plastic.
- Example: The artist used a pencil to sketch the outline of the portrait before filling it with color.
Marker
A marker is a pen-like device used to write or draw on various surfaces, such as paper, cardboard, or whiteboards. It uses ink or paint that is usually permanent or water-resistant.
- Example: The presenter used a red marker to highlight the key points on the whiteboard during the meeting.
Ballpoint
A ballpoint is a pen that uses a small rotating ball to transfer ink from the reservoir to the paper.
- Example: The journalist used a ballpoint to write the article on the notepad during the press conference.
Bulldog clip
A bulldog clip is a spring-loaded clip with two flat metal or plastic jaws that are used to hold papers or other materials together.
- Example: The designer used a bulldog clip to hold the fabric samples together before presenting them to the client.
Tape dispenser
A tape dispenser is a device used to hold and dispense adhesive tape.
- Example: The secretary used a tape dispenser to cut the tape and attach the label to the file before filing it in the cabinet.
Pencil sharpener
A pencil sharpener is a device used to sharpen the lead of a pencil by shaving off the wood or plastic casing.
- Example: The student used a pencil sharpener to sharpen his dull pencil before writing the essay.
Label
A label is a small piece of paper, plastic, or other material that is attached to an object to identify or describe it. It can also be used to provide instructions or warnings.
- Example: The librarian put a label on the spine of the book to indicate its genre and author.
Calculator
A calculator is a small electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations. It can perform basic arithmetic operations as well as more complex functions such as trigonometry and logarithms.
- Example: The accountant used a calculator to calculate the tax amount for the client’s income.
Glue
Glue is a sticky substance used to join two or more surfaces together. It can be made from natural or synthetic materials and comes in various forms such as liquid, paste, or stick.
- Example: The student used glue to attach the paper cutouts to the poster board for the science fair project.
Scissors
Scissors are a tool used for cutting various materials such as paper, fabric, or hair. They consist of two blades that are joined together by a pivot and can be opened and closed by handles.
- Example: The tailor used scissors to cut the fabric for the dress before sewing it together.
Sticky notes
Sticky notes are small pieces of paper with a strip of adhesive on one side that allows them to be attached to surfaces such as paper, walls, or computer monitors. They are commonly used as reminders or to leave messages.
- Example: The manager wrote the to-do list on sticky notes and attached them to the computer screen to keep track of the tasks.
Paper
Paper is a thin material made from wood pulp, cotton, or other fibers that is used for writing, printing, drawing, or packaging. It comes in various sizes, colors, and textures.
- Example: The student wrote the essay on a piece of paper and submitted it to the teacher for grading.
Notebook
A notebook is a book with blank or lined pages that is used for writing notes, keeping a journal, or recording information. It can be bound with a spiral, ring, or glue.
- Example: The writer carried a notebook with him to jot down ideas and inspirations for his next book.
Envelope
An envelope is a flat paper container used for enclosing and sending letters, cards, or other documents through the mail. It usually has a flap that can be sealed with an adhesive strip or glue.
- Example: The secretary put the letter in the envelope and addressed it to the client before sending it through the mail.
Clipboard
A clipboard is a flat, rigid board with a clip at the top used to hold papers or other materials in place.
- Example: The nurse carried a clipboard with her to record the patient’s vital signs and medical history.
Monitor
A monitor is an electronic device used to display images or information from a computer or other source. It can be a separate unit or built into a computer.
- Example: The graphic designer used a high-resolution monitor to edit the images and videos for the client’s website.
Computer
A computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. It can perform various tasks such as browsing the internet, creating documents, or playing games.
- Example: The student used the computer to research information for the history project and type the essay.
Keyboard
A keyboard is a device with keys or buttons used to input characters or commands into a computer or other electronic device. It can be a separate unit or built into a computer.
- Example: The writer used the keyboard to type the manuscript and save it on the computer for editing.
Folder
A folder is a cover or container used to hold papers, documents, or other materials for organization or storage. It can be made of paper, plastic, or other materials and can have one or more pockets.
- Example: The manager used a folder to keep the project documents organized and easily accessible for the team.
Fax
Fax is a method of transmitting documents or images over a telephone line using a fax machine or computer. It converts the document or image into a digital signal that can be sent and received as a fax.
- Example: The lawyer sent the signed contract via fax to the client for review and approval.
Filing cabinet
A filing cabinet is a piece of furniture used for storing and organizing papers, documents, or other materials in folders or hanging files. It can be made of metal or wood and can have one or more drawers.
- Example: The accountant stored the financial records in the filing cabinet for easy access and retrieval during the audit.
Telephone
A telephone is a device used for transmitting and receiving voice or text messages over a distance. It can be a landline or mobile phone and uses a network of wires or wireless signals.
- Example: The customer service representative answered the telephone and helped the customer with their query.
Swivel chair
A swivel chair is a chair with a seat that can rotate 360 degrees around a central axis. It usually has wheels or casters on the base for mobility.
- Example: The office worker sat on the swivel chair and turned around to reach the file cabinet behind him.
Desk
A desk is a piece of furniture with a flat surface and one or more drawers or compartments used for writing, reading, or other work activities.
- Example: The writer sat at the desk and typed the article on the computer before printing it out for editing.
Wastebasket
A wastebasket is a container used for holding and disposing of waste materials such as paper, food, or other trash. It can be made of plastic, metal, or other materials and can be found in offices, homes, or public areas.
- Example: The janitor emptied the wastebasket and replaced the liner with a new one to keep the office clean and tidy.
Office Supplies List | Video
- Free Autumn Vocabulary Worksheets for Kids - April 21, 2025
- Winter Vocabulary Worksheets to Explore this Cold Season - April 21, 2025
- Free Nature Vocabulary Worksheets in English - April 21, 2025