civilization

noun

civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsi-və-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce civilization (audio)
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 adjective

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 Last of Us is set in 20 years after modern civilization has been destroyed. Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2024 The series takes place decades after civilization has been destroyed and is based on a 2013 video game. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 While these tombs were built late in ancient Egypt's long history, a period that represented huge changes in governance and society, the representation of baboons had remained consistent ever since the beginnings of complex civilization in the Nile Valley. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Remnants of the civilization have previously been found, including cemeteries, workshops and metal tools, such as axes. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2024 And, for most of civilization, women have been trusted with small home farms and the rearing, slaughtering, and butchery that goes with that. Olivia Potts, Longreads, 15 Feb. 2024 The Classic Period of the Maya civilization lasted from about 250 C.E. until about 900 C.E. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 14 Feb. 2024 Cue the chemistry Sumerian written history goes back to the 27th century B.C. and more or less ends a millennium later when the civilization collapsed after an invasion by the Elamites. Franz Lidz, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024 Moral leadership, moral clarity and moral scruples are centerpieces of civilization, eclipsing economic statistics or military power. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'civilization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see civil

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilization was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near civilization

Cite this Entry

“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

civilization

noun
civ·​i·​li·​za·​tion ˌsiv-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce civilization (audio)
1
a
: an advanced stage (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
: improvement of thought, manners, or taste

More from Merriam-Webster on civilization

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