Definition of material
1a (1) : relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter; especially : physical the material world (2) : bodily material needsb (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
3a : being of a physical or worldly nature a grossly material form of loveb : relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things material progress provide material assistance
materialness
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of material in a Sentence
He is concerned only with his own material comforts.
The researchers included all data that was material.
Recent Examples of material from the Web
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Whereas in 2016 that meant freeing our shoulders from any material constraint, this year's trend to beat is gingham—at least, according to every Instagrammer, model, and celebrity who's gone on vacation this season.
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Many investors view Trump’s focus on material wealth as coming at a significant moral cost — and at a potentially large financial one as well.
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Put more pressure on Paul Manafort, who, as a campaign manager, knew full well that financial or material aid from a foreign nation is against the law?
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Dozens of others — immigrants and citizens alike — were arrested and held under material witness warrants, without any allegation of wrongdoing.
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When material, earthly concerns meet up with emotions, there can be some discomfort in our relationships caused by money and material goods.
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And material reconstruction is only part of the task.
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Material advertising the concert by Finese 2Tymes showed a man pointing a gun at a camera, drawing a rebuke from Mayor Mark Stodola.
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Another lesson: Spend on experiences, not material items.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'material.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of material
Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter — more at matter
Synonym Discussion of material
synonyms see in addition relevant
material
Definition of material
1a (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 materialsb (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 materialc : matter 3bd : clothe : a person potentially suited to some pursuit varsity material leadership material
2a : apparatus necessary for doing or making something writing materialsb : matériel
Examples of material in a Sentence
paper, plastic, or other materials
She was never without reading material.
The curtains required yards of expensive material.
Recent Examples of material from the Web
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In the application, Harvest Alaska, a subsidiary of Hilcorp, proposes putting soil and other excavated material into 3 acres of wetlands in order to build about 2 miles of 10-inch oil pipeline.
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The essay is available online as part of The New School History Project, a site where students curate a trove of recovered archival material to provoke critical and informed discussion.
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Grumbles about tanklike visibility remain, but Chevy fixed the Camaro’s other major shortcomings, such as the cheap-looking interior materials, with this sixth-generation car.
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The difference is many of his new feelings seem to be about struggling with fame more than with romantic relationships, and his new old haircut might signal a shift back to his old source material.
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All materials should be in good, clean condition with no writing, highlighting or torn pages.
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This #Lemonsqueezer made out of the high quality material available and will not break when squeezing.
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Prices run from $50 to $8,000, depending on the materials used and labor involved.
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With the river so high, East Dundee was making sandbags and sand available for free to residents, with the material available in a vacant lot not far from the police station off Railroad Street.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'material.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of material
see 1material
MATERIAL Defined for English Language Learners
material
playDefinition of material for English Language Learners
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: relating to or made of matter
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: physical rather than spiritual or intellectual
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: having real importance
material
Definition of material for English Language Learners
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: a substance from which something is made or can be made
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: a substance that has a particular quality
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: something used in doing a particular activity
MATERIAL Defined for Kids
Definition of material for Students
1 : of, relating to, or made of matter : physical the material world
2 : of or relating to a person's bodily needs or wants Money buys material comforts.
3 : having real importance Those facts aren't material to the case.
materially
adverbDefinition of material for Students
1 : the elements, substance, or parts of which something is made or can be made We purchased bricks and other building material.
2 : equipment needed for doing something writing materials
Law Dictionary
Legal Definition of material
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
adverbmaterial
Legal Definition of material
: something used for or made the object of consideration or study; specifically : evidence — see also brady material
Learn More about material
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See words that rhyme with material Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for material Spanish Central: Translation of material Nglish: Translation of material for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of material for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about material
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