English Reference
adjective

civic

adj.
US /ˈsɪvɪk/ UK /sˈɪvɪk/ civic

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to a city or town, especially its government and public buildings.

    relating to a city or town, specifically its municipal administration or public infrastructure.

    Simple

    The new civic centre houses the library and the mayor's office.

    In context

    The architect's design for the new civic plaza aimed to create a shared space that reflected the city's historical importance.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    relating to the duties and responsibilities of people who live in a community.

    pertaining to the rights, duties, and legal status of a citizen within a political community.

    Simple

    Voting in elections is an important civic duty for every adult.

    In context

    The curriculum emphasizes civic engagement, encouraging students to participate in local government and community service projects.

Usage civic life

The government has already said it will apply a 50% reduction in individual participant budgets for social, civic and community participation.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

As a researcher in developmental psychology, focusing on social development and psychological well-being, I argue that news fatigue is not laziness, weakness or a generational decline in civic interest.

ScienceDaily· 16 Jun 2026

Borrowed from Latin cīvicus (“pertaining to a city or citizens”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated