civil service

noun

: the administrative service of a government or international agency exclusive of the armed forces
especially : one in which appointments are determined by competitive examination

Examples of civil service in a Sentence

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.
In federal employment, in contrast, the probationary period before civil service job protections kick in can last one, two or even three years, depending on various factors, and the probationary period can start over even for long-time employees if they’re promoted or switch agencies. Michael L. Millenson, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Trump’s entire Cabinet consists of loyalists, most of whom lack basic qualifications or experience for their positions, and the gutting of the professional civil service is well underway. Elizabeth Shackelford, Twin Cities, 12 Mar. 2025 While experts say the justices appear inclined to allow the president more power to hire and fire agency heads, the outlook is less clear for civil service protections for other federal workers. Mark Sherman, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden has also outlined proposals that could result in significant layoffs of government employees, known as civil service workers. William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil service

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1770, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civil service was circa 1770

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Cite this Entry

“Civil service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20service. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

civil service

noun
: the branch of a government that takes care of the business of running a state but that does not include the lawmaking branch, the military, or the court system

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