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civilian

n. · adj.
US //səˈvɪɫjən// UK //sɪvˈɪliən// civil·ian
  1. 1 non-military person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

    a person who is not an active member of the military, police, or a fire department.

    Example

    The treaty was designed to protect civilians during the conflict.

    Example

    International law mandates that all parties in a conflict must distinguish between combatants and civilians to prevent unnecessary loss of life.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural to refer to the general population during a war.
    • non combatant
    • private citizen
  2. 2 an outsider (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    someone who does not belong to a specific professional group or subculture.

    a person who is not a member of a particular profession, specialized group, or subculture. Informal in register.

    Example

    The doctors used so much medical jargon that the civilians in the room were confused.

    Example

    Within the tight-knit community of professional skaters, anyone who doesn't understand the culture is dismissed as a civilian.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is often used humorously or slightly dismissively by professionals to describe 'regular' people.
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  1. 3 not military (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to ordinary people who are not in the military.

    relating to or characteristic of the general public as opposed to the armed forces.

    Example

    He decided to leave the army and return to civilian life.

    Example

    The transition from a rigid military structure to the flexibility of civilian employment can be challenging for many veterans.
Origin

From Middle English cyvylien, from Old French civilien. Equivalent to civil + -ian.

Word family

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