civility
noun
ci·vil·i·ty
sə-ˈvi-lə-tē 
plural civilities
1
a
: civilized conduct
b
: a polite act or expression
lacked the little civilities and hypocrisies of political society—
Roy Jenkins
Roy JenkinsThe men briefly exchanged civilities before the meeting began.
2
archaic
: training in the humanities
Synonyms
Examples of civility in a Sentence
They greeted each other with the usual exchange of civilities.
after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy
Recent Examples on the Web
My own children, now young adults like millions of others, hunger for a less coarse society, a world marked by civility and sustainable economics.
—Bruce Fuller, Orange County Register, 12 May 2024
When situations arise where a board member does not show civility toward other board members, the first step is for professional management (if any) and/or the board president to speak with the board member privately and explain how their behavior is making others feel.
—Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for civility 
Bruce Fuller, Orange County Register, 12 May 2024
When situations arise where a board member does not show civility toward other board members, the first step is for professional management (if any) and/or the board president to speak with the board member privately and explain how their behavior is making others feel.
—Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for civility
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'civility.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to civility
Dictionary Entries Near civility
Cite this Entry
“Civility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civility. Accessed 18 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
civility
noun
ci·vil·i·ty
sə-ˈvil-ət-ē
plural civilities
1
: civilized conduct
especially
: courtesy sense 1, politeness
2
: a polite act or expression
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share