materiality

noun

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​i·​ty mə-ˌtir-ē-ˈa-lə-tē 

plural materialities

1

: the quality or state of being material

2

: something that is material

Synonyms

• case
• reality
• fact

Examples of materiality in a Sentence

preferred a single materiality to a slew of hypotheticals

the materiality of that fact is not in dispute

Recent Examples on the Web

Paris with a display that emphasizes the poetic potential of materiality. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025

Securities litigation expertise to frame loss causation and materiality arguments. —Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

But an object can tell a story about itself through its materiality or formal vocabulary, for instance, rather than its maker. —Aaina Bhargava, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025

While simplicity of form, a limited and neutral color palette, and a ban on superfluous decoration remain core characteristics of minimalism, contemporary designers have put their stamp on the style through materiality and tonal warmth. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for materiality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality