Definition of civilization
1a : 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 attainedb : 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
3a : refinement of thought, manners, or taste exhibiting a high level of civilizationb : a situation of urban comfort Our African safari was quite interesting, but it was great to get back to civilization.
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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 of civilization from the Web
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What's shocking, but clear, is the amount of atmospheric CO2 hasn't been this high in 800,000 years; that's long before human civilization began.
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The origins of cool are grounded in the performance of relaxed calm to cover the loss of belief in Western civilization.
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One of the oldest civilizations in the world came from this amazing creation, [the qanat.]
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Robert died fighting the enemies of all civilizations in Afghanistan.
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One of his pieces resembles a ventriloquist dummy dressed in newsprint; other works look like totems from civilizations that never existed.
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Dean was also recently interviewed for a podcast that promotes itself as a defender of white civilization.
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The falling ropes of the starting gate showed that these sprints were signs of civilization.
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Winner at Sundance for best science-themed film, this meditative, multigenerational epic suggests that big ideas reverberate to the very edges of civilization.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'civilization'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of civilization
see civil
First Known Use: 1760
Other Sociology Terms
CIVILIZATION Defined for English Language Learners
civilization
playDefinition of civilization for English Language Learners
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: the condition that exists when people have developed effective ways of organizing a society and care about art, science, etc.
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: a particular well-organized and developed society
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: all the societies of the world
CIVILIZATION Defined for Kids
civilization
playDefinition of civilization for Students
1 : an advanced stage (as in art, science, and government) in the development of society
2 : the way of life of a people Greek civilization
3 : all the societies of the world the end of civilization
Learn More about civilization
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See words that rhyme with civilization Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for civilization Spanish Central: Translation of civilization Nglish: Translation of civilization for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of civilization for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about civilization
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