ci·vil·ian
sə-ˈvil-yən 
also -ˈvi-yən
1
: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law
2
a
: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
b
1
a
: of, relating to, or made up of civilians
civilian concerns/demands
the civilian population
civilian customers/casualties
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honors in the United States.
b
: having the status of a civilian
a civilian pilot
2
: operated or controlled by civilians
civilian industry
: possessed by or vested in civilians
civilian authority
3
: intended or suited for use or consumption by civilians
civilian goods
With twin 2,520-horsepower engines and up to 19 seats, the Sikorsky S-92 is among the world's most powerful civilian helicopters.—
Josh Harkinson
Josh HarkinsonExamples of civilian in a Sentence
Noun
The bomb injured 12 civilians.
Recent Examples on the WebAlexandra Banner, CNN, 23 July 2024
When he was released, neither the civilian nor the military hospital communicated the discharge or follow-on care to Card's chain of command.
—Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 23 July 2024
Joe Heim, Washington Post, 24 July 2024
Netanyahu was invited to speak primarily by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been severely critical of President Joe Biden's response to the war, including pausing a shipment of large unguided U.S. bombs due to concerns about civilian casualties.
—ABC News, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilian 
Noun
Netanyahu’s visit comes as tensions between the two leaders have escalated as the US has grown increasingly frustrated with the way Israel has executed the war in Gaza, including the lack of protections for civilians.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 23 July 2024
When he was released, neither the civilian nor the military hospital communicated the discharge or follow-on care to Card's chain of command.
—Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 23 July 2024
Adjective
The war: On Oct. 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel that included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival.
—Joe Heim, Washington Post, 24 July 2024
Netanyahu was invited to speak primarily by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has been severely critical of President Joe Biden's response to the war, including pausing a shipment of large unguided U.S. bombs due to concerns about civilian casualties.
—ABC News, 24 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilian
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'civilian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near civilian
Cite this Entry
“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilian. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
civilian
noun
ci·vil·ian
sə-ˈvil-yən
: a person not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
civilian
adjective
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