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
All of which is to say that alcohol, that timeless ferment fomenting next day regrets since the dawn of civilization, now has competition.
—
Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
For now, the map provides visual data for understanding how the civilization moved and evolved, helping to identify routes for the dispersion of goods, the circulation of diseases or the spread of ideas, de Soto said.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Sam Altman, of OpenAI, has claimed that generative AI could bring about the end of human civilization, and that AI poses a risk of extinction on a par with nuclear warfare and global pandemics.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Astronomers have not yet confirmed any detection of radio signals – or any other kinds of signs – from extraterrestrial civilizations.
—Gabriela Radulescu, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
For now, the map provides visual data for understanding how the civilization moved and evolved, helping to identify routes for the dispersion of goods, the circulation of diseases or the spread of ideas, de Soto said.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Sam Altman, of OpenAI, has claimed that generative AI could bring about the end of human civilization, and that AI poses a risk of extinction on a par with nuclear warfare and global pandemics.
—Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Astronomers have not yet confirmed any detection of radio signals – or any other kinds of signs – from extraterrestrial civilizations.
—Gabriela Radulescu, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 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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