Materials that allow operation at high temperature are essential in many industries from material producing and processing to transportation and power generation. After brief comments on typical operating environments, high-temperature aluminium alloys, steels and nickel alloys are discussed, referring to alloy types, characteristics and applications. Future development possibilities are indicated. The engineering ceramics silicon nitride and silicon carbide are discussed with particular emphasis on defect tolerance considerations. The various forms and applications of high-temperature carbon, including carbon-carbon composite, are included and a discussion on “engineered materials” concepts, such as thermal insulators and ablative materials, concludes the review.