materialize

verb

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce materialize (audio)
materialized; materializing

transitive verb

1
a
: to make material : objectify
b
: to cause to appear in bodily form
materialize the spirits of the dead
2
: to cause to be materialistic

intransitive verb

1
: to assume bodily form
2
a
: to appear especially suddenly
b
: to come into existence
materializer noun

Examples of materialize in a Sentence

A waiter suddenly materialized beside our table. Rain clouds materialized on the horizon.
Recent Examples on the Web But so far, the visa — which would apply to Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam — has not materialized. Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2024 The development intended to generate revenue to renovate their aging stadium and anchor the team in Anaheim never materialized. Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2024 Over the last two years, Scripps News’ live anchored coverage and documentary programming have grown its linear television audience, but the prospects for the necessary revenue growth haven’t materialized, despite our sales teams’ efforts. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Sep. 2024 Risk management, a strategy embraced under former Chair Alan Greenspan, seeks to head off potential threats, even those that appear unlikely to materialize. Craig Torres, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for materialize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'materialize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of materialize was in 1710

Dictionary Entries Near materialize

Cite this Entry

“Materialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialize. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

materialize

verb
ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ize mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce materialize (audio)
materialized; materializing
1
: to give material form and substance to
2
: to assume or cause to assume bodily form
a ghost materialized out of nowhere
3
a
: to come into existence
a promise that never materialized
b
: to appear suddenly

More from Merriam-Webster on materialize

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