These words are closely related.
Material, the much more common word, has many uses. In general, material (adjective or noun) describes the physical, versus mental, spiritual, or abstract—or it means relevant or important. As a noun, material can mean:
- any physical substance
- that of which something is composed, whether physical or not:
His theory is made of weak materials.
The materials in our bodies are the same as those in stars.
- the basic stuff used to create, whether physical or not:
We need to buy materials for a fine dinner!
The comedian used everyday life as material.
- content studied in learning or science:
The material of the course was too advanced for me.
- a person who is well-suited for a certain role:
Her strength made her great athlete material.
Materiel is a much less common word; it means supplies or equipment used in the operations of some organization or institution—especially in reference to military operations.