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.
A. M. Schlesinger, Jr.Examples of materialism in a Sentence
the materialism of modern society
Recent Examples on the Web
The Roses stars Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch in a new spin on the same story, examining how status and materialism impact interpersonal relationships.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Co-written with Jessica Cayne and Chris Rafetto, the track takes aim at materialism and the pressure to maintain appearances, even at the cost of one’s financial and mental well-being.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025
Exactly, with a lot of the spiritual materialism that is slung around and filtered through skincare and things like that.
—Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 19 Aug. 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
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Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Co-written with Jessica Cayne and Chris Rafetto, the track takes aim at materialism and the pressure to maintain appearances, even at the cost of one’s financial and mental well-being.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2025
Exactly, with a lot of the spiritual materialism that is slung around and filtered through skincare and things like that.
—Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 19 Aug. 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
See All Example Sentences for materialism
Cite this Entry
“Materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism. Accessed 9 Sep. 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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