Materials: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to things that you use to make or build something, often in an educational, industrial or construction context.

• We need to buy materials for the science project.
• The construction materials were delivered this morning.

Used to refer to a particular kind of matter with uniform properties, often in scientific, chemical, or health contexts.

• Alcohol is a flammable substance.
• The doctor warned him about eating substances that could trigger allergies.

A general term for physical substance in terms of physics and science, or something of importance.

• Water is a unique form of matter.
• This is a matter of great importance to the company.

Informal term for materials or objects in general; often used when the specific names of items are not important.

• I need to pack my stuff for the trip.
• There's a lot of stuff in the garage that we need to sort out.

Refers to physical substances used to make things or to achieve a particular purpose; often used in construction, manufacturing, or art.

• The materials for the new building were delivered yesterday
• She needed more materials to complete her art project

Refers to knowledge or details about a particular subject or event; can be general and used in almost any context where knowledge is shared.

• She provided useful information about the upcoming event
• The website contains a lot of information about healthy living

Refers to raw numbers, statistics, or information that is collected for analysis; often used in scientific, technological, and research contexts.

• The data shows a significant increase in temperature over the past decade
• We need to analyze the data before making any conclusions

Refers to verified and objective pieces of information that are known to be true; often used in discussions, debates, and reports.

• The facts clearly show that the policy is not working
• One needs to check the facts before voicing an opinion

Refer to substances or resources used to create something, typically used in a broad or general sense. Could encompass a variety of physical items including metals, wood, or textiles.

• The artist collected various materials for the sculpture.
• Building the house required a lot of different materials.

Refers to any textile material made by knitting, weaving, or crocheting fibers together. Often used in contexts related to fashion, interior design, and crafts.

• The designer chose a beautiful fabric for the dress.
• We need to select a durable fabric for the upholstery.

Generally refers to any material made of fibers or yarns used for creating fabrics. Commonly used in industrial contexts, manufacturing, and when discussing the industry as a whole.

• The factory specializes in producing high-quality textiles.
• Textile manufacturing is an important part of the economy.

Refers specifically to woven or felted fabric, often used for making clothes, cleaning, or covering objects. It can be found in everyday contexts.

• She used a piece of cloth to clean the table.
• The tailor needed a yard of cloth to make the skirt.