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
My first book, Fast Forward: Growing Up in the Shadow of Hollywood explored how kids were influenced by the values of fame, image, and materialism.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 18 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for materialism 
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Jason Parham, WIRED, 18 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for materialism
Dictionary Entries Near materialism
Cite this Entry
“Materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
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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