1. a person who is not a member of the military or police force

1. relating to ordinary citizens rather than the military

Examples

• The soldiers were ordered to protect all civilians in the area.
• Many civilians were evacuated from the war zone.
• After retiring from the army, he returned to civilian life.
• The pilot wore civilian clothes instead of his uniform.
• Civilian authorities took control of the situation.
• The hospital treated both military and civilian casualties.
• She worked as a civilian contractor for the defense department.