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
His images reveal his disdain for materialism, and the cost of greed.
—Cat Woods, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024
The idea is that, having been dissidents and countercultural idealists in the nineteen-sixties, the boomers flipped in the nineteen-eighties to embrace capitalism and materialism.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
And what would really blow their un-American minds is that, despite America’s not undeserved reputation for rampant materialism, none of this is about money.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 18 July 2024
Consistently listed as one of the best works of fiction in the 20th century, the novel explored themes of innocence, identity, materialism, mental health and loss.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for materialism 
Cat Woods, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024
The idea is that, having been dissidents and countercultural idealists in the nineteen-sixties, the boomers flipped in the nineteen-eighties to embrace capitalism and materialism.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024
And what would really blow their un-American minds is that, despite America’s not undeserved reputation for rampant materialism, none of this is about money.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 18 July 2024
Consistently listed as one of the best works of fiction in the 20th century, the novel explored themes of innocence, identity, materialism, mental health and loss.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 16 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for materialism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'materialism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near materialism
Cite this Entry
“Materialism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materialism. Accessed 5 Oct. 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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