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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With seven weeks remaining, a plethora of scenarios could materialize. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 During the last Super Bowl, the city allocated $2 million for events for residents with the goal of recouping that via private fundraising that largely never materialized. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 But that plan never materialized. Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 The next night, however, Obama’s final-night speech was hastily shifted from the massive Bank of America Stadium to the comparably cozy arena, potentially shutting out as many as 50,000 supporters — due to a storm that never materialized. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for materialize

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Materialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialize. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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