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 beliefs, customs, arts, etc. characteristic of a particular time or place : culture entry 1 sense 1a

the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized

also, plural civilizations : a well-organized and developed society : culture entry 1 sense 1b

ancient/modern civilizations

a history of Mayan/Babylonian/Chinese civilization

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

ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of civilization

• lifestyle
• culture
• society
• life

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

The journey combines outdoor adventure with the history and culture of the Inca civilization, weaving through cloud forest, high mountain passes and stone-cut ruins before ending at Machu Picchu. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

So that’s how far outside of civilization the family farm still is. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 31 July 2026

Surveys of the Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas turned up evidence of pre-Colombian civilization that thrived in southwestern Amazonia. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026

The finding also suggests the civilization would have spanned 183,000 square kilometers (70,657 square miles), an area about the size of North Dakota. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for civilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids 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