civilian

[ si-vil-yuhn ]

noun

1. a person who is not on active duty with a military, naval, police, or fire fighting organization.
2. 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.

3. a person versed in or studying Roman or civil law.

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, formed by, or administered by civilians.

civilian

/ sɪˈvɪljən /

noun

1. 1. a person whose primary occupation is civil or nonmilitary
   2. ( as modifier )

      civilian life

Other Words From

• anti·ci·vilian adjective
• nonci·vilian noun
• proci·vilian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilian¹

1350–1400; Middle English: student of civil law < Old French civilien (adj.); civil, -ian

Word History and Origins

Origin of civilian¹

C14 (originally: a practitioner of civil law): from civile (from the Latin phrase jūs cīvīle civil law) + -ian

Example Sentences

It provided an unprecedented picture of civilians’ complaints of abuse by NYPD officers.

From ProPublica

According to body-camera footage, Webster told a civilian on a motorcycle to help with the pursuit.

From Washington Post

Along with other senior officers and civilians, I didn’t realize the extent of the problem.

From Time

When Leftwich retired, he settled into what he called “civilian life,” a chance to decompress after a decade spent in meeting rooms and practice fields.

From Washington Post

On Monday, the company announced plans to launch the first “all-civilian” mission into orbit by the end of the year.

From MIT Technology Review

The healthier appearance and civilian clothing are very peculiar.

From The Daily Beast

We also have a language filled with distaste for the civilian “others.”

From The Daily Beast

Police have unions, for one, and those unions influence the elections of their civilian leadership.

From The Daily Beast

A civilian corollary was proven when ISIS waterboarded journalist James Foley before beheading him.

From The Daily Beast

You can read more about the civilian-volunteer position here.

From The Daily Beast

"I thought you'd like to see this mountain battery, Fetherston," exclaimed the general, addressing the other civilian.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaders of the little Panay army and their civilian colleagues had to be compensated for their acceptance of American rule.

From Project Gutenberg

Washington, during his Presidency, showed his ability to lead in civilian affairs as well as in military affairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, did Virginians—military and civilian—strive to help the Confederate cause in which they so strongly believed.

From Project Gutenberg

Within the federal civilian group, approximately 70% are employed by the Department of Defense.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• private