ci·vil·ian
sə-ˈvil-yən 
also -ˈvi-yən
1
: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law
2
a
: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
b
1
a
: of, relating to, or made up of civilians
civilian concerns/demands
the civilian population
civilian customers/casualties
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honors in the United States.
b
: having the status of a civilian
a civilian pilot
2
: operated or controlled by civilians
civilian industry
: possessed by or vested in civilians
civilian authority
3
: intended or suited for use or consumption by civilians
civilian goods
With twin 2,520-horsepower engines and up to 19 seats, the Sikorsky S-92 is among the world's most powerful civilian helicopters.—
Josh Harkinson
Josh HarkinsonExamples of civilian in a Sentence
Noun
The bomb injured 12 civilians.
Recent Examples on the Web
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
According to the outlet, the Amazonas Military Fire Department (CBMAM) were alerted of the incident and arrived at the scene after the two on board were already rescued by civilians.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Their reputation with law enforcement, military, and civilian customers is impeccable, and their accolades and experience speak for themselves.
—J.d. Miles, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilian
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Noun
The United States has imposed sanctions Hernández Lárez for alleged involvement in human-rights abuses, including actions against civilians and indigenous communities—allegations denied by the Venezuelan government.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2026
According to the outlet, the Amazonas Military Fire Department (CBMAM) were alerted of the incident and arrived at the scene after the two on board were already rescued by civilians.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
How tragic that today the United States' civilian leadership has again used the armed forces as an aggressor.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
Their reputation with law enforcement, military, and civilian customers is impeccable, and their accolades and experience speak for themselves.
—J.d. Miles, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilian
Cite this Entry
“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilian. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
civilian
noun
ci·vil·ian
sə-ˈvil-yən
: a person not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
civilian
adjective
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