civics

noun

civ·​ics ˈsi-viks How to pronounce civics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a social science dealing with the rights and duties of citizens

Examples of civics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
One of her comments always resonates for me, that civics is something that has to be learned and relearned because it’s not stamped on our DNA. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025 Near the end of the Biden Administration, A250 contracted with iCivics, a civics-education organization founded by Sandra Day O’Connor, to research activities planned around the country. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civics was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

civic-minded
civics
civic university
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Cite this Entry

“Civics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civics. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

civics

noun
civ·​ics ˈsiv-iks How to pronounce civics (audio)
: the study of the rights and duties of citizens

More from Merriam-Webster on civics

Nglish: Translation of civics for Spanish Speakers

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