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
Among these delusions is the perennial faith that Iranians are potentially ardent converts to American-style freedom, rather than inheritors of an ancient civilization with a trajectory outlined by its own specific history.
—
Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
If a president’s dire threats to annihilate a civilization can instantaneously go global, so too can videos of fans on their hands and knees, filling trash bags.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 1 June 2026
All of these works proffer visions of escape from civilization and thereby from maturity.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
China has argued, based on that find, that the lower Yangtze region was home to one of the earliest urban civilizations on Earth.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
If a president’s dire threats to annihilate a civilization can instantaneously go global, so too can videos of fans on their hands and knees, filling trash bags.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 1 June 2026
All of these works proffer visions of escape from civilization and thereby from maturity.
—Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
China has argued, based on that find, that the lower Yangtze region was home to one of the earliest urban civilizations on Earth.
—Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 1 June 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 8 Jun. 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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