civilian /sɪˈvɪl.jən/noun 6adjective 1forms 1 noun6 •a person who lives an ordinary life and does not serve in the army, the navy or the air forceThree civilians were apprehended by the soldiers and taken away in a military vehicle. •(informal) A person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity, an outsider.The bathroom was for employees only, so civilians weren't allowed to use it. •(slang) A person not affiliated with a gang. •An employee of the civil service. •One skilled in civil law.Ancient civilians and writers upon government. — 1724 •A student of civil law at a university or college. adjective1 •Not related to the military, police or other governmental professions.The three detainees were actually army defectors wearing civilian clothing.He worked as a civilian journalist for ten years before being employed by the public broadcaster. formscivilians
