civilian

ci-vil-ian · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person not in the armed services or police force.

  2. 2.

    (As an adjective) Relating to ordinary citizens rather than the military.

Forms

plural: civilians

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    civilian casualties — Non-military people killed or injured in conflict.
  • •
    civilian life — Life outside the military.
  • •
    civilian clothes — Ordinary clothing worn by military personnel off duty.

Related words

Antonyms: combatant, military personnel, soldier
See also: citizen, civil, military
Synonyms: citizen, non-combatant, private citizen

Etymology

From Old French civil + -ian. The term gained prominence in distinguishing non-military persons from military personnel, particularly during times of war.