English Reference

Word

material

Phoneticsma·te·ri·al, stress on the second syllable

US/məˈtɪɹiəɫ/

UK/mətˈiəɹɪəl/

Definitions

01physical substance

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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

n. 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.”

02fabric

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

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

n. 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.”

03information or ideas

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

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

n. 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.”

04physical

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. relating to physical things rather than thoughts or feelings.

adj. 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.”

05important or relevant

C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical

adj. important enough to change a situation or a decision.

adj. 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'.

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “material” in context.

Adjective

01. additional material

“The teacher provided additional material to help the students prepare for the exam.”

adj + noun

02. appropriate material

“Make sure you choose appropriate material for the children to read in class.”

adj + noun

03. electronic material

“The library offers a wide range of electronic material, including e-books and journals.”

adj + noun

04. materials science

05. materials used

06. material damage

07. materials like

08. covariance material

09. material called

10. materials cannot

11. materials designed

12. materials from different

Real-World Examples

“He told UNMISS that “everything was looted” – including hospital beds, educational materials and even chairs, and “there is nothing here now”.”
UN News 11 Aug 2026
“In the months before, Lisa says a public relations agency had been tasked with producing AI-generated material that she and her colleagues were asked to edit.”
BBC News 4 Aug 2026
“At the same time, rising prices for materials such as steel and rare earths - along with higher interest rates - have pushed costs up further.”
BBC News 15 Apr 2026
“The label can turn shared material problems into a racial contest, inviting struggling groups to see one another as rivals rather than people with common interests.”
The Guardian 9 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English material, from Late Latin māteriālis, from Latin māteria (“wood, material, substance”), from māter (“mother”). Displaced native Middle English andweorc, andwork (“material, matter”) (from Old English andweorc (“matter, substance, material”)). Doublet of materiel.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Related words

Idioms

Domains

EngineeringLawLogic

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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