civilization

noun

civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce civilization (audio)
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.
civilizational adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The TikTok video shows the moment when Hawkins guided the pup back toward civilization, both of them moving with cautious determination. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 This is where the story of the Americas began in the remote area of El Mirador National Park, where the Mayan civilization thrived 2,000 years ago. ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025 The territory’s northern civilization of Nubia supplied much of the gold for ancient Babylon and Egypt, including for Tutankhamen’s tomb. Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025 Millions of Indigenous peoples with rich cultures and civilizations had already been here for thousands of years. Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civilization

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilization was in 1760

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

civilization

noun
civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce civilization (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on civilization

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