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
Both spacecraft carry a 12-inch golden phonograph record containing images and sounds of Earth curated by a team led by Carl Sagan, which was intended as a time capsule for any alien civilization that might someday intercept it.
—
Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025
The purpose of seeking a humanities education is to learn the great texts and ideas that have stirred the soul of civilization since antiquity.
—Isabella Brannon, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Thus, Tolstoy began to question the very foundations of Russian society, a path of inquiry that led him ultimately to criticize the very basis of civilization as commonly understood.
—Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
Both of our hotels, Praia do Canal Nature Retreat and Quinta da Comporta, were gloriously isolated from civilization.
—Kathy Roberson, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Scott Snowden, Space.com, 18 June 2025
The purpose of seeking a humanities education is to learn the great texts and ideas that have stirred the soul of civilization since antiquity.
—Isabella Brannon, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Thus, Tolstoy began to question the very foundations of Russian society, a path of inquiry that led him ultimately to criticize the very basis of civilization as commonly understood.
—Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 18 June 2025
Both of our hotels, Praia do Canal Nature Retreat and Quinta da Comporta, were gloriously isolated from civilization.
—Kathy Roberson, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 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 23 Jun. 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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