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

In an era of peak materialism, there’s something about giving an experience instead of an object that really appeals to me this gifting season. —Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024

His notoriously pornographic breakthrough novel, The Elementary Particles, trafficked in masturbation, flashing, orgies, and child rape but really amounted to a diatribe against a godless materialism. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024

While the channel's content is largely family-friendly, parents should be mindful of recurring themes of materialism. —Holly Garcia, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024

At a time of year when to-do lists become gargantuan and materialism rockets, religious practitioners from a variety of Christian denominations say that the spiritual practice of Advent provides a counterweight to the Christmas season’s commercialism. —Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024

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