materials science

noun

: the scientific study of the properties and applications of materials of construction or manufacture (such as ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites)
materials scientist noun

Examples of materials science in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The spindle’s mechanical quirks show just how weird materials science can get at the finest scales of life. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 29 June 2026 And the Air Force research lab continues to drive the materials science and engineering required to make stealth possible. — Randy Tucker, USA Today, 15 June 2026 That requires a workforce skilled in materials science and engineering and with knowledge of environmental systems. — Alan Collins, The Conversation, 11 May 2026 Quantum computing could be significantly useful in areas such as chemistry and materials science. — Donald Keough, Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for materials science

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of materials science was in 1956

Rhymes for materials science

See All Rhymes for materials science

Browse Nearby Words

materialness
materials science
materia medica
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Materials science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materials%20science. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on materials science

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about materials science

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All