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
This is a wonderful opportunity to take a deep dive into one of the greatest works of Western civilization.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Dec. 2025
The weirdos saved civilization, sure, but what good is civilization if not to further humanity?
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Dec. 2025
The Sabbath goes back thousands of years and is a cornerstone of Western civilization.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Just grab a pair of reasonably powerful binoculars, drive or walk away from civilization, and point them at the night sky.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 20 Dec. 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.
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 25 Dec. 2025
The weirdos saved civilization, sure, but what good is civilization if not to further humanity?
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Dec. 2025
The Sabbath goes back thousands of years and is a cornerstone of Western civilization.
—Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025
Just grab a pair of reasonably powerful binoculars, drive or walk away from civilization, and point them at the night sky.
—Chris McMullen, Space.com, 20 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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