raw material

noun

: crude or processed material that can be converted by manufacture, processing, or combination into a new and useful product
wheat … is raw material for the flour millC. A. Koepke
broadly : something with a potential for improvement, development, or elaboration
perplexities are often the raw material of discoveries Agnes M. Clerke

Examples of raw material in a Sentence

His experiences during the war were the raw material for the story.
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.
The following Pitch Day showcased industry-crossing solutions like aquatic ecosystem protection, fashion and beauty raw materials, waterless dyeing, water-saving and energy-saving manufacturing, wastewater reduction and treatment, as well as microplastic and microfiber detection. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Oct. 2025 Naphtha is an essential feedstock in the petrochemical industry for producing some raw materials critical for the manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors – industries core to Taiwan’s economy. John Liu, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2025 This year, almost 800 people, ranging from cosmetic chemists to raw material suppliers to academic researchers, gathered outside Orlando. Kelly Dobos, Allure, 2 Oct. 2025 Audits are now being rolled out across all stages, from raw material origin to garment manufacturing. Chizuru Muko, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for raw material

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of raw material was in 1612

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Cite this Entry

“Raw material.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/raw%20material. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

raw material

noun
: something from which a useful or desirable product can be manufactured or produced
wheat and rye are the raw materials for a flour mill
collect raw material for writing a story

More from Merriam-Webster on raw material

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