# material

/məˈtɪɹiəɫ/ (US) · /mətˈiəɹɪəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/material
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. physical substance

noun · CEFR B1

a physical substance used to make things, such as wood, metal, or plastic.

For teachers: a physical substance or matter from which something is or can be made.

- The engineers are testing a new material that is stronger than steel but much lighter.
- The selection of raw materials is critical to the structural integrity of the bridge, especially in regions prone to seismic activity.

### 2. fabric

noun · CEFR A2

cloth or fabric used for making clothes, curtains, or other items.

For teachers: woven, knitted, or felted fabric; cloth.

- She bought five meters of silk material to make a dress for the wedding.
- The designer preferred working with natural materials like linen and wool, citing their breathability and superior drape compared to synthetic alternatives.

### 3. information or ideas

noun · CEFR B2

information, notes, or ideas used to create a book, a speech, or a show.

For teachers: data, observations, or ideas that serve as the basis for a finished work or a judgment.

- The comedian spent months writing new material for his upcoming world tour.
- The historian spent years in the national archives, meticulously gathering source material for her definitive biography of the prime minister.

### 4. physical

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to physical things rather than thoughts or feelings.

For teachers: relating to or consisting of physical matter; corporeal as opposed to spiritual or intellectual.

- The monk gave up all his material possessions to live a simple life in the mountains.
- In a world increasingly focused on material wealth, the philosopher argued for a return to communal and intellectual values.

### 5. important or relevant

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

important enough to change a situation or a decision.

For teachers: having real importance or great consequences; significant or essential to a case or argument.

- The lawyer argued that the new evidence was material to the case and should be heard.
- The court ruled that the defendant's failure to disclose his previous convictions constituted a material breach of the contract.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'material evidence' or 'material change'.

## Examples

- This dress is made from a very soft material.
- The architect spent weeks selecting the right building material to ensure the house would withstand the coastal winds.
- The legal team spent months gathering enough material to build a credible case against the corporation, eventually uncovering internal documents that proved negligence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.