civilization meaning and definition

CIVILIZATION noun

Definition of civilization (noun)

1. a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
   • "the people slowly progressed from barbarism to civilization"
   • synonyms: civilisation
2. the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization
   • synonyms: civilisation
3. a particular society at a particular time and place
   • "early Mayan civilization"
   • synonyms: civilisation, culture
4. the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste
   • "a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization"
   • synonyms: civilisation, refinement