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
That’s when the group attempted its perilous journey back to civilization, in a blinding blizzard beneath towering, avalanche-prone slopes.
—
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Although there is indeed a vast Universe out there — a Universe where there are likely a myriad of untold lifeforms and possibly even civilizations out there — there is still no credible evidence for an inhabited world other than Earth.
—Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
Its vibrant culinary scene, renowned abundance of street art, and connection to Indigenous civilizations leave travelers feeling immersed and enriched.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
The latter possibility, however, could give rise to enough disaster and famine to fully destabilize human civilization.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Although there is indeed a vast Universe out there — a Universe where there are likely a myriad of untold lifeforms and possibly even civilizations out there — there is still no credible evidence for an inhabited world other than Earth.
—Big Think, 20 Feb. 2026
Its vibrant culinary scene, renowned abundance of street art, and connection to Indigenous civilizations leave travelers feeling immersed and enriched.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
The latter possibility, however, could give rise to enough disaster and famine to fully destabilize human civilization.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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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