B1nounUK spelling: civilisationhistory
US/ˌsɪv.əl.əˈzeɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌsɪv.əl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
a society with its own culture, government and way of life, especially one from the past
In context
The Maya civilization built great cities in the jungle more than a thousand years ago.
The Red River delta was one of the early centers of Vietnamese civilization.
After a week of camping, a hot shower felt like a return to civilization.
Words that go with civilization
adjective + noun
- ancient civilizationThe museum has a large collection of objects from ancient civilizations.
- Western civilizationGreek philosophy had a deep influence on Western civilization.
- human civilizationWriting was one of the greatest steps in human civilization.
noun + preposition
- cradle of civilizationMesopotamia is often called the cradle of civilization.
- rise of civilizationFarming made the rise of civilization possible.