Civilian Meaning
/sɪˈvɪl.jən/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces.
nounA person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity, an outsider.
Sentence Examples
The war has taken a terrible toll on the civilian population.
Tom is a civilian.
He left the army and returned to civilian life.
CEFR Practice Quiz
A single ____ was injured by the stray bullet near the school.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ is a person who is not a member of the armed forces today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English cyvylien, from Old French civilien. Equivalent to civil + -ian.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I have this vision one day that I'll walk amongst you a regular civilian."
— 2013, Eminem, “The Monster”, in The Marshall Mathers LP 2:
"Ancient civilians and writers upon government."
— 1724, Jonathan Swift, “Drapier's Letters”, in 4:
"although he kept his name in the college books, and changed his commoner gown to that of a civilian, yet he had now, I believe, no thoughts of proceeding to any degree; and seldom resided in college any more"
— 1788, Richard Graves, Recollection of Some Particulars in the Life of the Late William Shenstone:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
A single ____ was injured by the stray bullet near the school.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ is a person who is not a member of the armed forces today.