notepaper

notepaper — noun

1. sheets of paper used for writing personal letters or short notes by hand, often

1.nounB1
Definition

sheets of paper used for writing personal letters or short notes by hand, often sold together with matching envelopes.

Example

Priya bought a pack of cream-colored notepaper at the stationery shop.

countable collocation: a pack/sheet/pad of notepaper

The hotel provided free notepaper and envelopes in every guest room.

Common collocations
  • cream-colored notepaper
  • personalized notepaper
  • a pad of notepaper
  • a pack of notepaper
  • write on notepaper
  • matching notepaper and envelopes
Synonyms
  • writing paper

    a broader term that includes notepaper and may also cover larger sheets for formal letters

  • stationery

    a wider category that includes notepaper along with envelopes, cards, and other writing materials

  • letter paper

    slightly less common; specifically paper designed for letters, often implying a standard size

Usage Note

Notepaper is typically sold in pads or packs and may be decorated with patterns, borders, or a person's initials. It differs from ordinary printer paper in that it is designed specifically for handwritten correspondence.

Common Mistakes

I wrote the essay on notepaper.
I wrote the essay on lined paper.
Notepaper is for personal letters and notes, not for academic writing.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Writing paper is the most general term and can refer to any paper intended for handwritten text, from simple lined sheets to high-quality cotton paper. Stationery is a broader category that includes notepaper, envelopes, greeting cards, and sometimes pens and other desk accessories — it refers to the complete set of materials for writing. Letter paper is less common in everyday speech and usually implies a standard formal size (such as A4 or letter size) suitable for typed or handwritten correspondence. Notepaper, by contrast, often implies smaller, decorative sheets made specifically for personal handwritten notes and letters. For example, a shop might sell a 'stationery set' containing notepaper and matching envelopes, while 'writing paper' would describe the plain bulk paper used in a home office.

writing paperstationery ↗letter paper

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • a pack of notepaper
  • a sheet of notepaper
  • a pad of notepaper
  • matching notepaper and envelopes

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Notepaper is a compound formed from 'note' (from Latin 'nota' meaning a mark or sign) and 'paper' (from Latin 'papyrus', via Old French 'papier'). The word came into use in the early 19th century as paper manufacturers began producing stationery designed specifically for short written messages and personal correspondence, distinct from larger sheets used for documents and books.