materials

word · lemma: material

/məˈtɪɹiəɫz/
muh-TEER-ee-uhlz
/mətˈiəɹɪəlz/
muh-TEER-ee-uhlz

Definition

Things or substances used to make or build something, or written information or resources for learning and working.

Usage & Nuances

'Materials' can refer to physical substances (like wood, metal), or to educational/working resources (like reading materials). Common phrases: 'raw materials,' 'building materials,' 'teaching materials.' Always plural when meaning 'resources' or when talking about more than one substance.

Example Sentences

We need more materials to finish the project.

basic

The teacher gave us new materials for homework.

basic

Bricks and cement are building materials.

basic

All the materials you need are on the website, so just download them.

natural

These materials are pretty expensive, but they'll last for years.

natural

Did you bring all the craft materials for the workshop?

natural