civilization

noun

civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce civilization (audio)
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.
civilizational adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Education in the earliest civilizations Institute of Neijing Research. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024 Funders are often reluctant to invest in lidar surveys in areas where there is no visible evidence of Mayan settlement, despite the fact that this civilization reached its peak between 250 and 900 AD. Anna Lagos, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 One way to look at civilization is progress on the Kardashev scale ... New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2024 But this isn’t how civilizations or humans respond to political chaos. Meg Little Reilly, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for civilization 

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilization was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near civilization

Cite this Entry

“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

civilization

noun
civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce civilization (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on civilization

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