civilization Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Civ`i*li*za"tion noun
Etymology
Cf. F. civilisation.
Definitions
  1. The act of civilizing, or the state of being civilized; national culture; refinement.
    Our manners, our civilization, and all the good things connected with manners, and with civilization, have, in this European world of ours, depended for ages upon two principles -- . . . the spirit of a gentleman, and spirit of religion. Burke
  2. (Law) Rendering a criminal process civil. Obs.

Webster 1913