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
The creatures have set up a curious civilization with a religion based around the adventures of Peter Rabbit.
—
Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
There is something perverse about a civilization that plunders its archives to build statues.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Arnold Toynbee reminds us of the stakes with his admonition from many years ago that civilizations die by suicide, not by murder.
—Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The stakes are no longer just scientific recognition—but potentially the fate of human civilization.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
There is something perverse about a civilization that plunders its archives to build statues.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Arnold Toynbee reminds us of the stakes with his admonition from many years ago that civilizations die by suicide, not by murder.
—Paul Laudicina, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The stakes are no longer just scientific recognition—but potentially the fate of human civilization.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 15 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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
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