1. (

• civilization ,
• civilisation

) 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" ;

2. (

• civilization ,
• civilisation

) the social process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization ;

3. (

• culture ,
• civilization ,
• civilisation ,

) a particular society at a particular time and place; "early Mayan civilization" ;

4. (

• refinement ,
• civilization ,
• civilisation

) the quality of excellence in thought and manners and taste; "a man of intellectual refinement"; "he is remembered for his generosity and civilization" ;