material
1 of 2adjective
ma·te·ri·al mə-ˈtir-ē-əl 
1
a(1)
: relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter
especially : physical
the material world
(2)
: bodily
material needs
b(1)
: of or relating to matter rather than form
material cause
the material aspect of being
(2)
: of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning
especially : empirical
material knowledge
2
: having real importance or great consequences
facts material to the investigation
3
a
: being of a physical or worldly nature
a grossly material form of love
b
: relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things
material progress
provide material assistance
materially
mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-lē
adverb materialness noun
material
2 of 2noun
1
a(1)
: the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made
(2)
: matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized
sticky material
explosive materials
b(1)
: something (such as data) that may be worked into a more finished form
material for a biography
(2)
: something used for or made the object of study
material for the next semester
(3)
: a performer's repertoire
a comedian's material
c
: matter sense 3b
d
: cloth
e
: a person potentially suited to some pursuit
varsity material
leadership material
2
a
: apparatus necessary for doing or making something
writing materials
b
: matériel
Synonyms
Adjective
- concrete
- physical
- substantial
Noun
- making
- raw material
- stuff
- substance
- timber
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective He is concerned only with his own material comforts. The researchers included all data that was material. Noun paper, plastic, or other materials She was never without reading material. The curtains required yards of expensive material.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 7 Sep. 2022 Labor shortage, limited lot availability and delays in material deliveries have long been significant challenges contributing to the building slowdown in the region. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Aug. 2022 Two other mannequins made of material simulating human tissue -- heads and female torsos, but no limbs -- will measure cosmic radiation, one of the biggest risks of spaceflight. Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2022 Already, at least 113 cases in which officers linked to the scandal were involved in arrests or would have served as material witnesses have been dismissed by city and county prosecutors. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2022 Perhaps one of the greatest ironies of the new whistleblowing is that tattling for material scraps is the only way the internet operates. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2022 It’s the kind of fabric — specifically material with a four-way stretch versus a two-way stretch — that’s made much anymore, making sourcing it more challenging. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 Intentionally nurturing these relationships -- with material gifts, if appropriate -- may lift your confidence today. Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2022 Allowing Sanders to serve as both material witness and prosecutor lends greater credibility to the commonwealth's interrogation and investigation, Baker's attorney said in the document. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 24 Aug. 2022 Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 Theoretically, scientists only need to switch out the genetic material, or mRNA sequences, from one virus for another. Time, 14 Sep. 2022 Maloney said the archives staff had informed the committee staff during a call in late August of its uncertainty about the status of the material, which Trump was required by law to return. Tim Craig, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 However, two Libyan nationals were ultimately convicted of charges including conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists and maliciously destroying a dwelling. Fox News, 11 Sep. 2022 Quality footwear that requires so much material—leather or otherwise—is inevitably expensive. Katharine K. Zarrella, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 What to Consider Budget and aesthetics aside, the main things to consider when shopping for an oven mitt are length, material, and heat-resistance. Kylee Mcguigan, Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2022 The final sheath contains 40% of this reusable material, which is sourced from corn and sugarcane. Matthew Humphries, PCMAG, 6 Sep. 2022 Aluminum may not seem like the obvious theme for 10 years together, but the material (which never rusts) fittingly symbolizes the underlying resilience and stability necessary for hitting the decade milestone marker. Elsa Cavazos, SELF, 6 Sep. 2022 See More
Adjective
In the past, Burr has denied trading on material nonpublic information, and Fauth has repeatedly hung up on ProPublica when asked about his trades. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 7 Sep. 2022 Labor shortage, limited lot availability and delays in material deliveries have long been significant challenges contributing to the building slowdown in the region. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Aug. 2022 Two other mannequins made of material simulating human tissue -- heads and female torsos, but no limbs -- will measure cosmic radiation, one of the biggest risks of spaceflight. Arkansas Online, 28 Aug. 2022 Already, at least 113 cases in which officers linked to the scandal were involved in arrests or would have served as material witnesses have been dismissed by city and county prosecutors. Sammy Rothstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2022 Perhaps one of the greatest ironies of the new whistleblowing is that tattling for material scraps is the only way the internet operates. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2022 It’s the kind of fabric — specifically material with a four-way stretch versus a two-way stretch — that’s made much anymore, making sourcing it more challenging. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Aug. 2022 Intentionally nurturing these relationships -- with material gifts, if appropriate -- may lift your confidence today. Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2022 Allowing Sanders to serve as both material witness and prosecutor lends greater credibility to the commonwealth's interrogation and investigation, Baker's attorney said in the document. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 24 Aug. 2022 Noun
Contains sequences of strong violence, some disturbing material, mature thematic elements, brief strong language and partial nudity. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2022 Theoretically, scientists only need to switch out the genetic material, or mRNA sequences, from one virus for another. Time, 14 Sep. 2022 Maloney said the archives staff had informed the committee staff during a call in late August of its uncertainty about the status of the material, which Trump was required by law to return. Tim Craig, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Sep. 2022 However, two Libyan nationals were ultimately convicted of charges including conspiracy to provide material support and resources to terrorists and maliciously destroying a dwelling. Fox News, 11 Sep. 2022 Quality footwear that requires so much material—leather or otherwise—is inevitably expensive. Katharine K. Zarrella, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 What to Consider Budget and aesthetics aside, the main things to consider when shopping for an oven mitt are length, material, and heat-resistance. Kylee Mcguigan, Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2022 The final sheath contains 40% of this reusable material, which is sourced from corn and sugarcane. Matthew Humphries, PCMAG, 6 Sep. 2022 Aluminum may not seem like the obvious theme for 10 years together, but the material (which never rusts) fittingly symbolizes the underlying resilience and stability necessary for hitting the decade milestone marker. Elsa Cavazos, SELF, 6 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter — more at matter
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Noun
1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)
Phrases Containing material
Kids Definition
material 1 of 2
adjective
ma·te·ri·al mə-ˈtir-ē-əl
1
: of, relating to, or made of matter : physical
the material world
2
: of or relating to a person's bodily needs or wants
Money buys material comforts.
3
: having real importance
Those facts aren't material to the case.
material
2 of 2noun
1
: the elements, substance, or parts of which something is made or can be made
We purchased bricks and other building material.
2
: equipment needed for doing something
writing materials
Legal Definition
material 1 of 2
adjective
ma·te·ri·al mə-ˈtir-ē-əl
1
: of, relating to, or consisting of physical matter
2
: being of real importance or consequence
3
: being an essential component
the material terms of the contract
4
: being relevant to a subject under consideration
specifically : being such as would affect or be taken into consideration by a reasonable person in acting or making a decision see also insider trading
material
2 of 2noun
: something used for or made the object of consideration or study
specifically : evidence see also brady material
material 1 of 2
noun
1
as in potential
the basic elements from which something can be developed she's clearly movie star material Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- potential
- substance
- making
- stuff
- potentiality
- timber
- raw material
- metal
- possibility
- matter
2
as in equipment
usually materials plural items needed for the performance of a task or activity I have all the materials to build the mobile Synonyms & Similar Words
- equipment
- hardware
- stuff
- materiel
- resources
- gear
- tools
- apparatus
- kit
- matériel
- paraphernalia
- accoutrements
- tackle
- machinery
- facilities
- accouterments
- fittings
- accessories
- outfit
- baggage
- battery
- impedimenta
- assets
- apparel
- attachments
- belongings
- trappings
- attire
- appurtenances
- instruments
- appliances
- raiment
- arsenal
- habiliments
- armory
- armamentarium
material
2 of 2adjective
1
as in physical
relating to or composed of matter there's no material evidence, such as a dead body, that a murder has been committed Synonyms & Similar Words
- physical
- concrete
- substantial
- tangible
- visible
- solid
- bodily
- corporeal
- objective
- apparent
- appreciable
- carnal
- observable
- corporal
- discernible
- noticeable
- embodied
- perceptible
- detectable
- heavy
- sensible
- phenomenal
- fleshly
- massive
- bulky
- weighty
- discernable
- touchable
- palpable
- ponderous
- seeable
- hefty
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- immaterial
- nonmaterial
- nonphysical
- insubstantial
- incorporeal
- formless
- intangible
- invisible
- unsubstantial
- disembodied
- spiritual
- thin
- discarnate
- ethereal
- bodiless
- imperceptible
- metaphysical
- impalpable
- tenuous
- diaphanous
- vaporous
- unbodied
- airy
- insensible
- unnoticeable
- gossamery
- wispish
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect there's no material difference between the two designs for the skyscraper: one's as bad as the other Synonyms & Similar Words
- important
- major
- significant
- historic
- substantial
- big
- meaningful
- tectonic
- exceptional
- much
- monumental
- consequential
- distinguished
- weighty
- momentous
- outstanding
- valuable
- remarkable
- eventful
- pivotal
- strategic
- earthshaking
- seminal
- earth-shattering
- outstanding
- distinctive
- noteworthy
- serious
- decisive
- notable
- worthy
- great
- crucial
- impressive
- worthwhile
- prominent
- critical
- key
- earnest
- essential
- fatal
- grave
- sincere
- famous
- heavy
- central
- illustrious
- eminent
- vital
- prestigious
- fateful
- noble
- renowned
- preeminent
- notorious
- all-important
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- small
- unimportant
- trivial
- minor
- little
- negligible
- insignificant
- inconsequential
- trifling
- inconsiderable
- slight
- worthless
- petty
- obscure
- unknown
- paltry
- anonymous
- nameless
- uncelebrated
3
as in animal
having to do with life on earth especially as opposed to that in heaven people who worry more about material concerns than about spiritual ones Synonyms & Similar Words
- animal
- physical
- temporal
- mundane
- terrestrial
- bodily
- earthly
- worldly
- corporeal
- terrene
- sublunary
- daily
- earthbound
- carnal
- corporal
- fleshly
- earthborn
- diurnal
- anthropical
- unspiritual
- anthropic
- anthropocentric
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- celestial
- nontemporal
- spiritual
- heavenly
- unearthly
- metaphysical
- religious
- unworldly
- supernal
- divine
- devotional
- sacred
- empyrean
- extraterrestrial
- utopian
- empyreal
- transcendental
- supernatural
- transcendent
- ethereal
- Elysian
4
as in relevant
having to do with the matter at hand that information, while fascinating, is not material to our discussion Synonyms & Similar Words
- relevant
- applicable
- pertinent
- relative
- appropriate
- important
- useful
- meaningful
- suitable
- pointed
- germane
- to the point
- fitting
- apposite
- apropos
- allowable
- significant
- admissible
- fit
- apt
- sensible
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- immaterial
- extraneous
- irrelevant
- pointless
- inapplicable
- little
- minor
- unimportant
- trivial
- negligible
- insignificant
- frivolous
- impertinent
- inconsequential
- trifling
- useless
- slight
- irrelative
- meaningless
- inapposite
- inappropriate
- unsuitable
- purposeless
- inadmissible
- inapt
- senseless
5
as in bodily
of or relating to the human body material needs such as food and warmth Synonyms & Similar Words
- physical
- bodily
- animal
- corporeal
- anatomical
- anatomic
- physiological
- corporal
- somatic
- carnal
- sensual
- physiologic
- fleshly
- sensuous
- hand-to-hand
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- psychological
- mental
- intellectual
- inner
- spiritual
- nonmaterial
- immaterial
- cerebral
- psychologic
- nonphysical
- insubstantial
- metaphysical
- psychical
- psychic
- incorporeal
- ethereal
- bodiless
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of material are applicable, apposite, apropos, germane, pertinent, and relevant. While all these words mean "relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand," material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case.
facts material to the investigation
The synonyms applicable and material are sometimes interchangeable, but applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case.
the rule is not applicable in this case
In some situations, the words apposite and material are roughly equivalent. However, apposite suggests a felicitous relevance.
add an apposite quotation to the definition
Although the words apropos and material have much in common, apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune.
the quip was apropos
While in some cases nearly identical to material, germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion.
a point not germane to the discussion
The words pertinent and material can be used in similar contexts, but pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance.
a pertinent observation
The meanings of relevant and material largely overlap; however, relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection.
found material relevant to her case