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
It was utilized across many ancient civilizations for artwork, as well as preserving and tanning animal hides.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
In honor of his visit, Lee gifted Trump with a replica of the Gold Crown of Cheonmachong, an artifact from the ancient Korean civilization of the Silla Kingdom.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025
Every family, company, or civilization operates through bodies — through people.
—Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
These achievements made the United States the political model of the liberal state, which displaced the monarchical dynasties of Europe in the nineteenth century, then rescued Western civilization from the totalitarian despotisms of Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union in the twentieth.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025
In honor of his visit, Lee gifted Trump with a replica of the Gold Crown of Cheonmachong, an artifact from the ancient Korean civilization of the Silla Kingdom.
—Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2025
Every family, company, or civilization operates through bodies — through people.
—Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025
These achievements made the United States the political model of the liberal state, which displaced the monarchical dynasties of Europe in the nineteenth century, then rescued Western civilization from the totalitarian despotisms of Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union in the twentieth.
—Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 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 1 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share