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

Yet her materialism was considerably less mechanical than Hobbes’s division of motion into internal and external components. —Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2024

For example, materialism is associated with negative self-appraisal including self-doubt, as well as risky health behaviors such as smoking and drinking alcohol. —Talia Varley, Fortune, 12 Mar. 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