The matter from which a thing is or can be made. The material used for the sculpture was marble.
Information or ideas for use in creating a book or other work. The author gathered material for her new novel during her travels.
Cloth or fabric, especially as distinct from clothing. She bought some material to make a new dress.
A person considered as having qualities suited to a particular sphere of activity. He is seen as prime material for the managerial position.
In chess, the pieces a player currently has, considered collectively and in terms of their relative value. Despite being down material, Black managed to force a draw.