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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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Statistically, a 30,000-foot-diameter, civilization-ending asteroid hits the Earth every 100 million years.
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New religions are in conflict with the old, rival houses have designs on the capital’s Iron Throne, and an undead army is pushing against the boundary of civilization, known as the Wall.
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Understanding how these horses were traded, gifted, or stolen could shed light on human history as Eastern and Western civilization comingled and collided.
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Some time later, with no map or cellphone service to guide him and only a few supplies, Fernando tries to find his way back to civilization.
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Thucidydes writes with rigorous attention to authenticity and accuracy, and hits on themes such as the clash of civilizations and realpolitik amorality that naturally appeal to a dermatological nightmare like Bannon.
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Subsequent generations had mastered travel at faster-than-light speeds and powerful families including Nev's had risen from the ruins of civilization, building massive wealth.
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Human sacrifice was a common ritual among the people of almost every ancient civilization, from China and Europe, to Mesopotamia and the Americas.
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Fighting for our entertainment, whether in ring or octagon, is civilization’s barbaric outlier, as humanely logical as bullfighting.
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
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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