civilization */

UK [ˌsɪvəlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n] / US [ˌsɪvɪlɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n] noun
Word forms "civilization":
singular civilization plural civilizations

1) [countable/uncountable] a society that has developed its own culture and institutions

the history of Western civilization

the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt

a) [uncountable] the state of having developed an advanced culture and institutions

the benefits of civilization

b) [uncountable] the process by which a society develops its own culture and institutions

c) [uncountable] human society in general

the end of civilization as we know it

2) [uncountable] often humorous a place such as a large city where you have the modern things that make life easy

After a week of camping, I was glad to get back to civilization.