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 beliefs, customs, arts, etc. characteristic of a particular time or place : culture entry 1 sense 1a
the impact of European civilization on the lands they colonized
also, plural civilizations
: a well-organized and developed society : culture entry 1 sense 1b
ancient/modern civilizations
a history of Mayan/Babylonian/Chinese civilization
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.
Cite this Entry
“Civilization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilization. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
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