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
Samuel C. Mahaney, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
Israel's retaliation in Gaza destroyed much of the territory, displaced most of the population, and killed more than 49,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
—Daniel Estrin, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025
Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Ukraine Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa overnight that hit civilian infrastructure, injured at least three people and sparked a massive blaze.
—Jade Walker, CNN, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilian
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Noun
Unbiased sources of information In addition to senior military leaders’ responsibility to remain apolitical, leaders also have clear responsibilities to the civilians elected and appointed above them.
—Samuel C. Mahaney, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
Israel's retaliation in Gaza destroyed much of the territory, displaced most of the population, and killed more than 49,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who do not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
—Daniel Estrin, NPR, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
This situation presents a unique opportunity for the cybersecurity sector to address its talent shortage while supporting veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Ukraine Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa overnight that hit civilian infrastructure, injured at least three people and sparked a massive blaze.
—Jade Walker, CNN, 21 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 29 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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