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 beliefs, customs, arts, etc. characteristic of a particular time or place : culture entry 1 sense 1a

the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized

also, plural civilizations : a well-organized and developed society : culture entry 1 sense 1b

ancient/modern civilizations

a history of Mayan/Babylonian/Chinese civilization

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.

civilizational

ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of civilization

• lifestyle
• culture
• society
• life

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

Invaders may have finished off some of the great ancient civilizations, but only after they had been weakened by drought, famine, disease, flooding and internal divisions that catastrophe often sparks. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Pieces of metal and plastic glistened in the sunlight; otherwise, there were no signs of civilization. — Peter Hessler, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

Co-created by Craig Mazin and the game’s Neil Druckmann, The Last of Us, based on the award-winning Naughty Dog video game, takes place 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2026

Buckle up for Seven of Nine exploring a remote cluster of uncanny exoplanets, strange alien artifacts, long lost civilizations, and trippy paranormal anomalies. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for civilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids 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