materialism
noun
ma·te·ri·al·ism
mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter (see matter entry 1 sense 2)
scientific materialism
b
: a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress
c
: a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused compare historical materialism
2
: a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things
… materialism, hedonism, and the overriding quest for personal gratification.—
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Examples of materialism in a Sentence
the materialism of modern society
Recent Examples on the Web
Still, some did criticize the woman’s response, accusing her of materialism or entitlement, while mentioning that in general men are less likely to receive gifts upwards of $800 from their partners.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
The record captures mounting angst, pushes back against control and calls out the capitalistic sides of our culture that fuel materialism and overconsumption.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
Jeff Manchester might have been a folk hero of the early 2000s, but his story resonates even more today, with wealth inequality and performative materialism higher than ever.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2025
Yet, despite this thorough materialism, the survival of Lucretius’ poem depends entirely on two manuscripts copied out in the Carolingian period, and one of them was certainly at the royal court, where it was studied and annotated by the Irish scholar Dungal.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
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Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
The record captures mounting angst, pushes back against control and calls out the capitalistic sides of our culture that fuel materialism and overconsumption.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025
Jeff Manchester might have been a folk hero of the early 2000s, but his story resonates even more today, with wealth inequality and performative materialism higher than ever.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Oct. 2025
Yet, despite this thorough materialism, the survival of Lucretius’ poem depends entirely on two manuscripts copied out in the Carolingian period, and one of them was certainly at the royal court, where it was studied and annotated by the Irish scholar Dungal.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for materialism
Cite this Entry
“Materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
materialism
noun
ma·te·ri·al·ism
mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌliz-əm
1
: a theory that everything can be explained as being or coming from matter
2
: a tendency to attach too much importance to physical comfort and well-being
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