civilization

noun

civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: a relatively high level of cultural and technological development

specifically : the stage of cultural development at which writing and the keeping of written records is attained

b

: the culture characteristic of a particular time or place

the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized

2

: the process of becoming civilized

civilization is a slow process with many failures and setbacks

3

a

: refinement of thought, manners, or taste

exhibiting a high level of civilization

b

: a situation of urban comfort

Our camping trip was quite interesting, but it was great to get back to civilization.

civilizational

ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• lifestyle
• culture
• society
• life

Examples of civilization in a Sentence

the impact of technical advancements on civilization

We are studying ancient Greek civilization.

a book about life on the planet after wars have destroyed civilization

Recent Examples on the Web

While classical civilizations like Greece and Rome left behind cathedrals of stone, ancient India left behind cathedrals of thought. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

How lonely, to be so close to civilization and yet so far. —Emma Sloley august 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025

There are also shots of Slurp wandering through a Christmas carnival, Tyler hiding in what appears to be a sewer before emerging back into civilization in a cloak, and Enid nervously wielding a sword. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2025

Complicating this: the ancient civilization’s claim to have achieved immortality. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for civilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

civilization

noun

civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: a high level (as in art, science, and government) of social development

b

: the way of life of a people

ancient Egyptian civilization

2

: the series of changes involved in becoming civilized

3

: refinement of thought, manners, or taste

4

: a situation of urban comfort