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 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
Cast adrift from mainland Italy, the Mediterranean's largest island has been caught in the crosshairs of civilizations for centuries.
—
Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
An overreliance on tools weakens our civilization (and saps the film’s dramatic thrills).
—Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Separated by labyrinths of creeks and smaller cays, each one represents a stepping stone away from civilization, Parrish told me.
—Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
The ability to socialize is a critical skill to living in groups (seemingly more critical than the toilet is) and a basic pre-requisite of civilization.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civilization
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Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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
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