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
But very soon, on the timescale of human civilization, that may change.
—
Dave S. Brody, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Here, visitors will pass through the planet’s core, exiting in southern Mexico, where the ancient Olmec civilization began, with a side trip to Los Angeles’s Boyle Heights neighborhood.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 25 Mar. 2025
For millennia, this 2,000-year-old ancient sentinel has silently witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, outlasting even some of Greece’s most famous historical figures.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The alcoholic beverage is common to a number of ancient civilizations in the region, however, spiking it with a hallucinogenic substance is unusual.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Dave S. Brody, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Here, visitors will pass through the planet’s core, exiting in southern Mexico, where the ancient Olmec civilization began, with a side trip to Los Angeles’s Boyle Heights neighborhood.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 25 Mar. 2025
For millennia, this 2,000-year-old ancient sentinel has silently witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, outlasting even some of Greece’s most famous historical figures.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
The alcoholic beverage is common to a number of ancient civilizations in the region, however, spiking it with a hallucinogenic substance is unusual.
—Rich Haridy, New Atlas, 22 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 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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