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 African safari 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
Marcello Canuto: Generally speaking, the archaeological community agrees that climate change played a role in the collapse of Maya civilization in the Classic Lowlands.
—
Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
Western civilization was under attack, though most people were scared to say this out loud.
—Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024
But Todd DaSilva says there are many more civilizations that have captivating stories to tell.
—Joe Sills, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Ancient Greek civilization Linguistic researcher at Think in Italian.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilization 
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Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
Western civilization was under attack, though most people were scared to say this out loud.
—Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024
But Todd DaSilva says there are many more civilizations that have captivating stories to tell.
—Joe Sills, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Ancient Greek civilization Linguistic researcher at Think in Italian.
—Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilization
Dictionary Entries Near civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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