Words / C1

s-uh-VIL-ee-uh-n/səˈvɪliən/

A civilian is not in the armed forces or police: civilians and soldiers, civilian clothes. Civil is the adjective with many meanings; civic is city/citizenship. In civilian life means after leaving the forces.

Meaning

A person who is not a member of the armed forces or the police.

Examples

• “The hospital treats civilians as well as soldiers.”
• “Aid must reach civilians first.”
• “He found civilian employment with a logistics firm.”

Good to know

a civilian / civilian clothes. Mix-ups: civil, civic. After the army: in civilian life.

New