Civilian

Pronunciation

• IPA: /sɪˈvɪljÉ™n/

Origin

From Old French civilien.

Full definition of civilian

Noun

1. A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces.Three civilians were apprehended by the soldiers and taken away in a military vehicle.
2. (informal) A person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity.
3. One skilled in civil law.
• Jonathan SwiftAncient civilians and writers upon government.
4. A student of civil law at a university or college.

Adjective

1. That which is not related to the military, police or other uniformed professionThe three detainees were actually army defectors wearing civilian clothing.