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
William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
These institutions, along with other federal agencies, have provided critical job opportunities for disabled civilians and veterans.
—Parker D. Walsh, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Even though the Constitution establishes civilian control over the military, senior officers can nonetheless resist pressure from Trump to quash protest.
—Joe Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilian
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Noun
Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations, government offices, and security forces…Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including areas along the Line of Control for any reason.
—William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
These institutions, along with other federal agencies, have provided critical job opportunities for disabled civilians and veterans.
—Parker D. Walsh, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Department of Defense: The Pentagon began cutting civilian roles this week, with around 4,000 DOD employees removed, per Fox News.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Even though the Constitution establishes civilian control over the military, senior officers can nonetheless resist pressure from Trump to quash protest.
—Joe Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilian
Cite this Entry
“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilian. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
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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