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
Each of the 8 years in this Venus-cycle (known and important to ancient civilizations such as the Mayans and Babylonians) has its own particular pattern, so 2026 repeats (within about 2 or 3 days of the same date) the phenomena of 2018.
—
Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Harder still to see the people who have persevered through it all and the culture that preserves signs of civilization, even in deeply uncivil times.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Throughout the course of human history, great civilizations have been built, thrived, and declined.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Madden expected that, like young children that struggle to understand randomness, the earliest civilizations would have viewed every event as following from some predictable force.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Harder still to see the people who have persevered through it all and the culture that preserves signs of civilization, even in deeply uncivil times.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
Throughout the course of human history, great civilizations have been built, thrived, and declined.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
Madden expected that, like young children that struggle to understand randomness, the earliest civilizations would have viewed every event as following from some predictable force.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 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 5 Apr. 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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