ci·vil·ian
sə-ˈvil-yən 
also -ˈvi-yən
1
: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law
2
a
: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
b
1
a
: of, relating to, or made up of civilians
civilian concerns/demands
the civilian population
civilian customers/casualties
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honors in the United States.
b
: having the status of a civilian
a civilian pilot
2
: operated or controlled by civilians
civilian industry
: possessed by or vested in civilians
civilian authority
3
: intended or suited for use or consumption by civilians
civilian goods
With twin 2,520-horsepower engines and up to 19 seats, the Sikorsky S-92 is among the world's most powerful civilian helicopters.—
Josh Harkinson
Josh HarkinsonExamples of civilian in a Sentence
Noun
The bomb injured 12 civilians.
Recent Examples on the Web
Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
In many cases, civilians who want to flee simply cannot.
—Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
Artem Grudinin, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
These attacks will strengthen the convictions of Hezbollah’s civilian supporters.
—Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilian 
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Noun
At least 207 homes and other structures have been destroyed, 90 have been confirmed damaged, and six fire personnel and civilians have been injured, Cal Fire said.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
In many cases, civilians who want to flee simply cannot.
—Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Russia has used warships from its Black Sea Fleet, as well as strategic bombers, to conduct missile strikes on targets across Ukraine, leading to hundreds of civilian casualties.
—Artem Grudinin, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
These attacks will strengthen the convictions of Hezbollah’s civilian supporters.
—Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for civilian
Dictionary Entries Near civilian
Cite this Entry
“Civilian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilian. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
civilian
noun
ci·vil·ian
sə-ˈvil-yən
: a person not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force
civilian
adjective
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