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 beliefs, customs, arts, etc. characteristic of a particular time or place : culture entry 1 sense 1a
the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized
also, plural civilizations
: a well-organized and developed society : culture entry 1 sense 1b
ancient/modern civilizations
a history of Mayan/Babylonian/Chinese civilization
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.
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
Trump’s threats are an act of violence—as is his commitment to the destruction of Middle Eastern civilization through widespread scholasticide.
—
Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
For context, 70% expected a cure for cancer, and 10% expected an end to all civilization.
—Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
There are reports that the military is already giving the president lists of things that only had military applicability, which is not the same thing as erasing a civilization.
—Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Artificial lights at night reveal the progress of civilization as new settlements spring up and electric grids expand, bringing the comforts of modern life.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
For context, 70% expected a cure for cancer, and 10% expected an end to all civilization.
—Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026
There are reports that the military is already giving the president lists of things that only had military applicability, which is not the same thing as erasing a civilization.
—Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Artificial lights at night reveal the progress of civilization as new settlements spring up and electric grids expand, bringing the comforts of modern life.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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