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 beliefs, customs, arts, etc. characteristic of a particular time or place : culture entry 1 sense 1a
the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized
also, plural civilizations
: a well-organized and developed society : culture entry 1 sense 1b
ancient/modern civilizations
a history of Mayan/Babylonian/Chinese civilization
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
The shipwrecks are from a range of eras and civilizations, including the ancient Punic (Carthaginian) civilization, and the Roman, medieval and modern periods, according to a recent research paper.
—
Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
The Teotihuacán pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, form a complex of monumental structures built by successive Indigenous civilizations.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
The Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a series of massive structures on the outskirts of Mexico City built by three different ancient civilizations.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
These researchers, tackling the nitty-gritty of civilization, focused on Bulgaria as parasite analysis from this region had never been published.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
The Teotihuacán pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, form a complex of monumental structures built by successive Indigenous civilizations.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
The Teotihuacan pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a series of massive structures on the outskirts of Mexico City built by three different ancient civilizations.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
These researchers, tackling the nitty-gritty of civilization, focused on Bulgaria as parasite analysis from this region had never been published.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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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