ma·te·ri·al
mə-ˈtir-ē-əl 
1
b(1)
: of or relating to matter rather than form
material cause
the material aspect of being
(2)
: of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning
2
: having real importance or great consequences
facts material to the investigation
3
a
: being of a physical or worldly nature
a grossly material form of love
b
: relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things
material progress
provide material assistance
materialness
noun
1
a(1)
: the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made
(2)
: matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized
sticky material
explosive materials
b(1)
: something (such as data) that may be worked into a more finished form
material for a biography
(2)
: something used for or made the object of study
material for the next semester
(3)
: a performer's repertoire
a comedian's material
c
d
: cloth
e
: a person potentially suited to some pursuit
varsity material
leadership material
2
a
: apparatus necessary for doing or making something
writing materials
b
: matériel
Examples of material in a Sentence
Adjective
He is concerned only with his own material comforts.
The researchers included all data that was material.
Noun
paper, plastic, or other materials
She was never without reading material.
The curtains required yards of expensive material.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Newsweek spoke to a child psychologists who shared that happiness in the home is not defined by material possessions like toys, clothes or gadgets—but is instead built on a foundation of love, clear boundaries and consistent routines.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Some materials and surfaces should not be treated with WD-40.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
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show current usage.
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Adjective
The Crinkle Nylon Cinchable Jacket is lightweight and ultra-packable, as the crinkly material disguises wrinkles even after it’s been stuffed in a suitcase.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Newsweek spoke to a child psychologists who shared that happiness in the home is not defined by material possessions like toys, clothes or gadgets—but is instead built on a foundation of love, clear boundaries and consistent routines.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
In Motion Airy Sleek Legging Friendly Sweatshirt For a sportier style similar to the quarter-zip Witherspoon wore, opt for this sweatshirt that is made from a spandex-blend material and goes well with leggings or sweatpants.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Some materials and surfaces should not be treated with WD-40.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for material
Cite this Entry
“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/material. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
material
1 of 2 adjective
ma·te·ri·al
mə-ˈtir-ē-əl
1
: relating to or consisting of matter : physical
the material world
material comforts
2
a
: important sense 1
food is material to health
b
: relevant
is that information material to the problem?
3
: physical rather than spiritual or intellectual
material needs
materiality
noun
-ˌtir-ē-ˈal-ət-ē
material
2 of 2 noun1
: the elements or substance of which something is made or can be made
building materials
2
: equipment and supplies for doing or making something
writing materials
Legal Definition
material
1 of 2 adjective
ma·te·ri·al
mə-ˈtir-ē-əl
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of physical matter
2
: being of real importance or consequence
3
: being an essential component
the material terms of the contract
4
: being relevant to a subject under consideration
specifically
: being such as would affect or be taken into consideration by a reasonable person in acting or making a decision see also insider trading
materially
adverb
material
2 of 2 noun
: something used for or made the object of consideration or study
specifically
: evidence see also brady material
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