What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fabric
Example
The dress was made of a soft and silky fabric. [fabric: noun]
Example
She enjoys browsing through the fabric section of the store to find the perfect material for her sewing projects. [fabric/material: interchangeable noun]
material
Example
The artist used various materials such as paint, clay, and wood to create her sculptures. [material: noun]
Example
The engineer selected the appropriate materials for building the bridge based on their strength and durability. [materials: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Material is more commonly used than fabric in technical or industrial contexts, while fabric is more commonly used in fashion or design contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fabric and material?
Both fabric and material can be used in formal and informal contexts, but material is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.