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⇱ MATERIAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Dictionary Definition
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1
a(1)
: relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter
especially : physical
the material world
(2)
: bodily
material needs
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
especially : empirical
material knowledge
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

material

2 of 2

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
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

Synonyms of material

Choose the Right Synonym for material

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality.

material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping.

material values

physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

the physical benefits of exercise

corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force.

artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings

phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction.

scientists concerned with the phenomenal world

sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses.

the earth's rotation is not sensible to us

objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

no objective evidence of damage

synonyms see in addition relevant

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
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.
Adjective
The second ground is concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. —👁 Image
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Saturn reaches from there to sextile Pluto in your valuable 2nd house, which may narrow your focus toward material resources. —👁 Image
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
Tech optimists may point to the benefits screens can have for individual tutoring or supplemental materials. —👁 Image
Abby McCloskey, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026 The group’s data is compiled through field reports, local contacts and open-source materials, according to its website. —👁 Image
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for material

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter — more at matter

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Noun

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of material was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing material

Rhymes for material

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Material.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/material. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

material

1 of 2 adjective
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
-ˌtir-ē-ˈal-ət-ē
noun

material

2 of 2 noun
1
: 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
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

material

2 of 2 noun
: something used for or made the object of consideration or study
specifically : evidence see also brady material

More from Merriam-Webster on material

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