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.
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
Crete has long sat at the geographic crossroads of major civilizations, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
—
Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
For Modi and his party, Indian civilization is inseparable from Hinduism, although critics say the party's philosophy is rooted in Hindu supremacy.
—Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025
The planet's redness has been well noted throughout time and across civilizations.
—Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Trump’s all-caps reaction to Biden’s action shows why capital punishment is as inappropriate to a modern civilization as the Roman circuses that spilled blood for sport.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civilization 
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.
Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
For Modi and his party, Indian civilization is inseparable from Hinduism, although critics say the party's philosophy is rooted in Hindu supremacy.
—Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025
The planet's redness has been well noted throughout time and across civilizations.
—Carlie Procell, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2025
Trump’s all-caps reaction to Biden’s action shows why capital punishment is as inappropriate to a modern civilization as the Roman circuses that spilled blood for sport.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for civilization
Dictionary Entries Near civilization
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share