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

—A. M. Schlesinger, Jr.

materialist

mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-list 

noun or adjective

Examples of materialism in a Sentence

the materialism of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

Luxury brands should: • Redefine luxury beyond materialism by emphasizing authenticity, ethical sourcing and conscious consumption. —Gjoko Muratovski, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Studio Collins Weir Studio Collins Weir designed this space to build on the warm materialism of the architecture and play to the agrarian vernacular of the Mill Valley, California, project. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025

In that country, religions have been banned and mostly wiped out, so the only dominant values are rooted in materialism and patriotism. —Ha Jin july 28, Literary Hub, 28 July 2025

In a sense, Dyer grew up alongside British cultural materialism. —James Wood, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing materialism

• anti-materialism
• dialectical materialism
• historical materialism

Rhymes for materialism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism

Kids 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

materialist

-ē-ə-ləst 

noun or adjective

materialistic

-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective