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 African safari 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
Ancient civilizations used to use cocoa beans (the stuff used to make chocolate) as money.
—
Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 15 July 2024
The European Union will only have itself to blame when China devours the green technologies and industries upon which European civilization has staked its future.
—Meg Hansen, National Review, 7 July 2024
Before the cathedral was opened in 1345, many civilizations had already borne witness to the site.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2024
Without such artifacts, civilization has no memory and no mechanism to learn from its successes and failures.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilization 
Marilyn La Jeunesse, Parents, 15 July 2024
The European Union will only have itself to blame when China devours the green technologies and industries upon which European civilization has staked its future.
—Meg Hansen, National Review, 7 July 2024
Before the cathedral was opened in 1345, many civilizations had already borne witness to the site.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2024
Without such artifacts, civilization has no memory and no mechanism to learn from its successes and failures.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilization
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'civilization.' 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 civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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