materialism

noun

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ism mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

1

a

: a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter (see matter entry 1 sense 2)

scientific materialism

b

: a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress

c

: a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused compare historical materialism

2

: a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things

materialism, hedonism, and the overriding quest for personal gratification

—A. M. Schlesinger, Jr.

materialist

mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-list 

noun or adjective

Examples of materialism in a Sentence

the materialism of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

Filled to the brim with charm and wit, his most successful movie to date, How to Be a Latin Lover, is a modern masterpiece of physical comedy and slapstick, featuring a colorful, lively aesthetic that perfectly reflects the main character’s flamboyant personality and his obsession with materialism. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

The book urges readers to shun materialism in favor of sustainability. —Marni Jameson, arkansasonline.com, 11 Oct. 2024

This is good news given research has found that feeling grateful improves physical health, enriches how partners tend to their relationships, and even decreases materialism while increasing overall life satisfaction. —Ellen Choi, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Religion came to play an important role in galvanizing opinion against materialism, debt and usury. —Harris Irfan, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing materialism

• anti-materialism
• dialectical materialism
• historical materialism

Kids Definition

materialism

noun

ma·​te·​ri·​al·​ism mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌliz-əm 

1

: a theory that everything can be explained as being or coming from matter

2

: a tendency to attach too much importance to physical comfort and well-being

materialist

-ē-ə-ləst 

noun or adjective

materialistic

-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈlis-tik 

adjective