materialist

[ muh-teer-ee-uh-list ]

noun

1. a person who is markedly more concerned with material things than with spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.
2. an adherent of philosophical materialism.

adjective

1. concerned with material things; materialistic.
2. of or relating to philosophical materialism or its adherents.

Other Words From

• ma·teri·al·istic adjective
• anti·ma·teri·al·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of materialist¹

From the New Latin word māteriālista, dating back to 1660–70. See material, -ist

Example Sentences

Rastafari reject materialist values and often practice a strict oneness with nature.

From Seattle Times

At the same time, the platforms attract materialists anyway, as they are a perfect way to satisfy many materialistic needs.

From Science Daily

In 1967, Mr. Celant noticed that some members of the postwar generation of young artists were using humor, provocation and unconventional materials to rebel against both older artistic orthodoxies and materialist pop culture.

From New York Times

In “Garden,” she questions the power she ascribed to materialist totems— like a wedding, a house and a garden— to bring her happiness.

From Los Angeles Times

If the "Sex and the City" universe is a fantasia of materialist gloss tethered to reality by genuine truths, then the personifications of this idea should maintain a crumb of constancy.

From Salon

Related Words

• agnostic
• cynic
• dissenter
• doubter
• pessimist
• questioner