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 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
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
Now, season three is raising the stakes by bringing in the most relatable thing the show has done — the threat of the total collapse of civilization.
—
Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Caracol dates back to 900 B.C., according to the Caracol Archaeological Project, and lasted centuries until the collapse of the Maya civilization in A.D. 800-900.
—Kerry Breen
july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
Some students admitted that they were unsettled, and even moved, by the simple tableau of Heston weeping in front of the last symbol of an extinct civilization.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
Hamilton is a man of civilization, but of the wholesome, invigorating variety.
—Thomas Meaney, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Caracol dates back to 900 B.C., according to the Caracol Archaeological Project, and lasted centuries until the collapse of the Maya civilization in A.D. 800-900.
—Kerry Breen
july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025
Some students admitted that they were unsettled, and even moved, by the simple tableau of Heston weeping in front of the last symbol of an extinct civilization.
—Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
Hamilton is a man of civilization, but of the wholesome, invigorating variety.
—Thomas Meaney, New Yorker, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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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