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
That combined with a Thulsa Doom, an Atlantian in Conan who was from a much older civilization, who created as an empire off of the existing world.
—
EW.com, 24 July 2025
Early civilizations were known to enjoy a range of libations, such as beer, wine, and mead.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025
And if everybody lives in these space stations, isn’t that going be not just a company town but a company civilization?
—Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Advertisement That’s how a bullying teenager brought an esteemed ancient civilization to its knees.
—Sam Kelly, Time, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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EW.com, 24 July 2025
Early civilizations were known to enjoy a range of libations, such as beer, wine, and mead.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2025
And if everybody lives in these space stations, isn’t that going be not just a company town but a company civilization?
—Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
Advertisement That’s how a bullying teenager brought an esteemed ancient civilization to its knees.
—Sam Kelly, Time, 8 July 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 29 Jul. 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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