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 of materiality

• 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

This is a message disguised as concrete poetry; the materiality of language conceals a cry for help. —Daniel R. Quiles, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

In the entryway, a portrait of the client’s grandmother hangs above a centuries-old butcher-block table, setting a tone that privileges memory alongside materiality. —Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026

For one, the walls have been restored to their original state and left bare to enhance their materiality and natural tones, while a black Italian herringbone wood floor was laid to reprise the dark ethos of the brand. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 27 Feb. 2026

Abstract canvases explore nature, the body and materiality. —Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026

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