civil society

British

noun

the elements such as freedom of speech, an independent judiciary, etc, that make up a democratic society

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That means routine military drills, diplomatic coordination with NATO, and strengthening civil society against any form of Russian aggression, from military incursions to disinformation campaigns.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

In both cases, fear and chilling effects were resisted in law and civil society, as they can be today.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

I think the FTC will be careful about how it attempts investigations of civil society groups in the future.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

But it said representatives from business, civil society, health, culture, higher education and policing would take part in individual round-table discussions with members of the Jewish community, hosted by the ministers.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

What this country needs is an active civil society.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023