civilian
a person who is not on active duty with a military, naval, police, or fire fighting organization.
Informal. anyone regarded by members of a profession, interest group, society, etc., as not belonging; nonprofessional; outsider: We need a producer to run the movie studio, not some civilian from the business world.
a person versed in or studying Roman or civil law.
of, pertaining to, formed by, or administered by civilians.
Origin of civilian
1Other words from civilian
- an·ti·ci·vil·ian, adjective
- non·ci·vil·ian, noun
- pro·ci·vil·ian, adjective
Words Nearby civilian
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use civilian in a sentence
It provided an unprecedented picture of civilians’ complaints of abuse by NYPD officers.
ProPublica’s “NYPD Files” Wins John Jay College/Harry Frank Guggenheim Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice Reporting | by ProPublica | February 11, 2021 | ProPublicaAccording to body-camera footage, Webster told a civilian on a motorcycle to help with the pursuit.
The first state to pass a law protecting police accused of misconduct may also be the first to repeal it. | Ovetta Wiggins | February 9, 2021 | Washington PostAlong with other senior officers and civilians, I didn’t realize the extent of the problem.
The U.S. Military Needs to Fight Extremism in Its Own Ranks. Here's How | James Stavridis | February 5, 2021 | TimeWhen Leftwich retired, he settled into what he called “civilian life,” a chance to decompress after a decade spent in meeting rooms and practice fields.
Byron Leftwich is a rising star on a Bucs coaching staff that shows the power of diversity | Adam Kilgore | February 5, 2021 | Washington PostOn Monday, the company announced plans to launch the first “all-civilian” mission into orbit by the end of the year.
The space tourism we were promised is finally here—sort of | Neel Patel | February 3, 2021 | MIT Technology Review
The healthier appearance and civilian clothing are very peculiar.
We also have a language filled with distaste for the civilian “others.”
A Veteran’s View: NYC Cold War Between Cops and City Hall | Matt Gallagher | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTPolice have unions, for one, and those unions influence the elections of their civilian leadership.
A Veteran’s View: NYC Cold War Between Cops and City Hall | Matt Gallagher | December 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTA civilian corollary was proven when ISIS waterboarded journalist James Foley before beheading him.
The Luxury Homes That Torture and Your Tax Dollars Built | Michael Daly | December 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTYou can read more about the civilian-volunteer position here.
LAPD Foundation: Mark Wahlberg Would Make a Good Reserve Cop | Asawin Suebsaeng | December 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST"I thought you'd like to see this mountain battery, Fetherston," exclaimed the general, addressing the other civilian.
The Doctor of Pimlico | William Le QueuxThe leaders of the little Panay army and their civilian colleagues had to be compensated for their acceptance of American rule.
The Philippine Islands | John ForemanWashington, during his Presidency, showed his ability to lead in civilian affairs as well as in military affairs.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia | Dorothy M. TorpeyThus, did Virginians—military and civilian—strive to help the Confederate cause in which they so strongly believed.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia | Dorothy M. TorpeyWithin the federal civilian group, approximately 70% are employed by the Department of Defense.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia | Dorothy M. Torpey
British Dictionary definitions for civilian
/ (sɪˈvɪljən) /
a person whose primary occupation is civil or nonmilitary
(as modifier): civilian life
Origin of civilian
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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