civil service

noun

: the administrative service of a government or international agency exclusive of the armed forces
especially : one in which appointments are determined by competitive examination

Examples of civil service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China’s youth seeks government jobs Nearly 4 million Chinese took the country’s civil service exam last month, a record, as job prospects for new college graduates remain dim. Diane Brady, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025 Government hiring slows Applications for public sector jobs surged, but openings are hardly keeping pace as local governments are struggling to expand headcounts, making civil service roles harder to come by. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025 In Newark, 49 sergeants and 23 lieutenants who manage and supervise departments could face demotions if the results of their 2019 civil service exams are thrown out, according to the president of the city's Superior Officers' Association. Christine Sloan, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 Analysts and advocates on all sides are watching closely, as the plan’s implementation could dramatically affect civil service staffing, agency independence, and key government programs—policies that will impact millions of Americans. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil service

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civil service was circa 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Civil service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20service. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

civil service

noun
: the branch of a government that takes care of the business of running a state but that does not include the lawmaking branch, the military, or the court system

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