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

Many of the objects in the collection date back thousands of years, covering the entire span of Egyptian civilization. —David Nikel, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Cycle Around Ancient Temples in Sukhothai Photo: Getty Images Sukhothai is regarded as the birthplace of Thai civilization and in the 13th century served as the capital of the first Thai kingdom. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025

The soundscape of calligraphy and music is a hallmark of Chinese civilization. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025

Evidence of bygone civilizations has been steadily deposited on the river’s muddy bottom for modern archaeologists to mine. —Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for civilization

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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