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.

civilizational

ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• culture
• life
• lifestyle
• society

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

Vault-Tec's goal was to drop the bombs to eliminate their corporate competition, cash in on their vault creations, create a monopoly on resources and design a new superior race that Vault-Tec executives could control to reshape civilization in their vision. —Kayla Keegan, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024

Filled with gore and sadism, the film flouted censorship while presenting a monster from another world smashing into the heart of civilization. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

civilization

noun

civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

a

: an advanced stage (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

: improvement of thought, manners, or taste