civil service

American  

noun

1. those branches of public service concerned with all governmental administrative functions outside the armed services.

2. the body of persons employed in these branches.

3. a system or method of appointing government employees on the basis of competitive examinations, rather than by political patronage.

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civil service British  

noun

1. the service responsible for the public administration of the government of a country. It excludes the legislative, judicial, and military branches. Members of the civil service have no official political allegiance and are not generally affected by changes of governments

2. the members of the civil service collectively

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civil service Cultural  

1. The nonmilitary personnel who work for a government, applying its laws and regulations.

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Etymology

Origin of civil service

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

A government press release said the strategy would aim to address an "over-representation of people from more well-off backgrounds" in the civil service.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Symonds also criticised Capita's handling of the civil service pension scheme, saying it had "fallen far short of the required standard".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

A third official said the lack of trust between ministers and the civil service could mean "we all get more risk averse".

From BBC • May 6, 2026

He said: "But wherever you serve, I want to be clear: these events do not define the civil service."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

An ANC government would still require much of the present civil service to run the country.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• administration
• authority
• management
• ministry
• red tape