material
Material (noun) means a substance — such as wood, metal, plastic, or fabric — that something is made from. Example: “The kitchen worktop is made from a scratch-resistant material.”
How to use material
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a physical substance something is made of, or, as an adjective, something that genuinely matters or affects the outcome.
In legal or formal writing, "material" (adjective) means "important/relevant," not "physical" — a "material fact" is one that actually affects a decision.
Word forms
more material comparative, materialed past tense, materialled past tense, materials plural, materials singular, most material superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kitchen worktop is made from a scratch-resistant _____.
Etymology
From Latin māteria, "wood, substance, matter," itself from māter, "mother" — the idea of raw matter as the "mother" from which things are made.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for material
See all rhymes for material →Frequently asked questions
What does “material” mean?
The word “material” means a substance — such as wood, metal, plastic, or fabric — that something is made from. In plain terms, either a physical substance something is made of, or, as an adjective, something that genuinely matters or affects the outcome.
How do you pronounce “material”?
“Material” is pronounced muh-TEER-ree-uhl (/məˈtɪɹ.i.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “material” in a sentence?
Here is “material” used in a sentence: “The kitchen worktop is made from a scratch-resistant material.”
What part of speech is “material”?
Depending on how it is used, “material” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “material” come from?
The word “material” comes from Latin. From Latin māteria, "wood, substance, matter," itself from māter, "mother" — the idea of raw matter as the "mother" from which things are made.
Is “material” a common word?
“Material” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “material” have?
“Material” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance — such as wood, metal, plastic, or fabric — that something is made from.
What is the difference between material and fabric?
Fabric is one specific kind of material: cloth made by weaving or knitting fibres, used for clothing and furnishings. Material is the far broader term, covering any substance something is made from, including wood, metal, plastic and glass. In casual British English, though, 'material' often means fabric.
What is the difference between material and matter?
Matter is the scientific term for anything that has mass and takes up space, the stuff the physical universe is made of. Material is more practical, referring to a substance chosen and used to make something. All materials are matter, but we only call matter a 'material' once it is put to use.
What are the main types of materials?
Materials are often grouped as metals, polymers or plastics, ceramics and glass, and composites, which blend two or more together. Another common split is natural materials such as wood, cotton and stone, versus synthetic ones like nylon and acrylic that are manufactured through chemical processes.
What is an example of a material?
Everyday examples include wood, metal, plastic, glass, fabric, concrete, rubber and paper. A single object often combines several: a chair might use wood for the frame, foam and fabric for the seat, and metal screws to hold it together. Each is a material chosen for its properties.
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