civilian Definition
- 1a person who is not a member of the military or police force
- 2relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters
Using civilian: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "civilian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The attack killed several civilians.
Example
He was a civilian contractor working for the military.
Example
The government is trying to minimize civilian casualties in the conflict.
Example
The new law will have a significant impact on the civilian population.
civilian Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for civilian
- noncombatant
- layperson
- ordinary person
- private citizen
Phrases with civilian
civilian clothes
ordinary clothes worn by a person who is not a member of the military or police force
Example
He arrived at the party wearing civilian clothes.
Example
After serving in the army, he had to adjust to civilian life.
civilian casualties
people who are not members of the military or police force who are killed or injured during a conflict or war
Example
The bombing resulted in many civilian casualties.
Origins of civilian
from Latin 'civilis', meaning 'relating to citizens'
Summary: civilian in Brief
The term 'civilian' [səˈvɪljən] refers to a person who is not a member of the military or police force. It also describes matters relating to ordinary citizens, as distinct from military or ecclesiastical matters. Examples include 'The attack killed several civilians.' and 'The new law will have a significant impact on the civilian population.' Phrases like 'civilian clothes' and 'civilian life' further illustrate the concept.