Civilian

/sɪˈvɪl.jən/ · noun

Meaning

A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces..

Definitions by Sense

1. A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces.
2. (informal) A person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity, an outsider.
3. One skilled in civil law.
4. A student of civil law at a university or college.
5. (criminal slang) A person not affiliated with a gang.
6. (Indian English) An employee of the civil service.
7. Not related to the military, police or other governmental professions.

Example Sentences

An army never can be commanded or controlled by civilians.

Three civilians were apprehended by the soldiers and taken away in a military vehicle.

The bathroom was for employees only, so civilians weren't allowed to use it.

I have this vision one day that I'll walk amongst you a regular civilian.

Ancient civilians and writers upon government.

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

The three detainees were actually army defectors wearing civilian clothing.

He worked as a civilian journalist for ten years before being employed by the public broadcaster.

Synonyms for civilian

Antonyms for civilian

Related Words

Word Forms

• civilians

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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