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
No footprints, no signs of mankind, no civilization, no tarmac.
—
Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
After having taken a liking to the languages of the area, specifically Bengali, Clint returned to the U.S. and attended the University of Chicago to get his graduate degree in South Asian languages and civilizations.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Was there some big calamity that wiped out the rest of them, or was their civilization always that small?
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
In the early days of World War II, when Germany swept through Europe, the entire Western civilization was at risk, and somehow the allies won that war.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civilization 
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Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
After having taken a liking to the languages of the area, specifically Bengali, Clint returned to the U.S. and attended the University of Chicago to get his graduate degree in South Asian languages and civilizations.
—Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Was there some big calamity that wiped out the rest of them, or was their civilization always that small?
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025
In the early days of World War II, when Germany swept through Europe, the entire Western civilization was at risk, and somehow the allies won that war.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
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 21 Feb. 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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