civil engineer

American  

noun

1. a person who designs public works, as roads, bridges, canals, dams, and harbors, or supervises their construction or maintenance.

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civil engineer British  

noun

1. a person qualified to design, construct, and maintain public works, such as roads, bridges, harbours, etc

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Other Word Forms

• civil engineering
  noun

Etymology

Origin of civil engineer

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Civil engineer Robert Thompson came to Eglinton Community Hall to ask the experts what will happen if the Mobuoy dump site ever floods in the future.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

Civil engineer Min Liew traveled to Utqiaġvik to study the erosion problem, and she thinks it's important for scientists to be upfront with people like Hopson.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2023

Civil engineer John Stevens found an easy crossing of the Rockies at Marias Pass, Montana, and the Great Northern was completed in 1893.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2019

Civil engineer Fatimzara Lahrir, the youngest member of the club, also shares similar views.

From The Guardian • Mar. 16, 2019

Civil engineer 1909 and 1910; newspaper man 1910-12; practised law 1913 to 1915, since which he has devoted himself exclusively to writing.

From The Best Short Stories of 1919 and the Yearbook of the American Short Story by O'Brien, Edward J. (Edward Joseph Harrington)