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.
A. M. Schlesinger, Jr.Examples of materialism in a Sentence
the materialism of modern society
Recent Examples on the Web
Luxury’s Existential Crisis In societies where inequality is soaring, materialism increasingly questioned and younger generations prioritize values over status, luxury must be redefined.
—Laurence Lim, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
Your connection to Valentine’s Day is rooted in meaningful family traditions and genuine desire for connection, not materialism.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
With Marxism tainted by its aggressive materialism, and mere democratic socialism so mere, anarchism could be imagined as a series of defiant spiritual acts.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Catholicism offers ritual without the tedium of rationality; anarchism offers revolutionary action against inequality without the taint of materialism, the prospect of personal gain.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
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Laurence Lim, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
Your connection to Valentine’s Day is rooted in meaningful family traditions and genuine desire for connection, not materialism.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
With Marxism tainted by its aggressive materialism, and mere democratic socialism so mere, anarchism could be imagined as a series of defiant spiritual acts.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
Catholicism offers ritual without the tedium of rationality; anarchism offers revolutionary action against inequality without the taint of materialism, the prospect of personal gain.
—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for materialism
Cite this Entry
“Materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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