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.

civilizational

ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• culture
• life
• lifestyle
• society

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

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids 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