When we talk about more than one adult male person, we use the word men. This word is different from 'man,' which is used for just one adult male. We use 'men' to clearly say we are talking about several adult male humans, not boys or women. For example, you might say, 'The men are working.'
The noun 'men' serves as the irregular plural form of 'man,' denoting multiple adult human males. This term is fundamental in distinguishing adult male individuals from younger males, referred to as 'boys,' and from individuals of the female sex, known as 'women.' Its usage is integral to precise demographic and social categorization in English. Understanding 'men' involves recognizing its role in gender differentiation and its grammatical irregularity, which is a common feature among some essential English nouns.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
Understanding the nuances between similar words is crucial for accurate and effective communication. The word "men" refers specifically to adult human males in the plural form. Let's explore some related terms and when to use them.
- Man
- This is the singular form of "men." Use "man" when referring to a single adult human male.
The man walked his dog in the park.
- Men
- As discussed, "men" is the plural form of "man." It is used for two or more adult human males.
The three men were discussing their work.
- Boys
- This term refers to male children, typically before they reach adulthood. It's important to distinguish between "men" and "boys" based on age and maturity.
The boys played soccer in the field.
- People
- "People" is a general term that refers to human beings collectively, regardless of gender or age. Use "people" when you want to be inclusive or when the gender of the individuals is not relevant or known.
Many people attended the concert.
- Folks
- Similar to "people," "folks" is an informal term for a group of people. It can be used interchangeably with "people" in many contexts, especially in casual conversation.
Hello, folks, how are you all doing today?
- Gentlemen
- This is a more formal or polite term for men, often used to show respect. It can also imply a certain level of social standing or good manners.
The gentlemen in the front row stood up to applaud.
When choosing between these words, consider the following:
- Specificity: If you are specifically talking about adult human males, use "man" (singular) or "men" (plural).
- Age: Distinguish between "men" (adults) and "boys" (children).
- Inclusivity: If gender is not relevant or you want to include all people, use "people" or "folks."
- Formality: For a more formal or polite address, consider "gentlemen."
For example, if you are describing a group of adults at a conference, you might say "the attendees" or "the people." If you specifically want to highlight the male attendees, then "the men" would be appropriate. Conversely, if you are talking about a group of children playing, "the boys and girls" or simply "the children" would be suitable. Using "men" in a context where children are present could be misleading or inappropriate.
Consider the phrase: "All the men in the room stood up." This clearly indicates that only the adult males stood. If you said "All the people in the room stood up," it would imply everyone, regardless of gender or age. The precision of your word choice can greatly impact the clarity of your message.
In summary, while "men" is straightforward in its definition, understanding its place among similar terms allows for more precise and contextually appropriate language use. Pay attention to whether you are referring to singular or plural, adult or child, and male-specific or gender-neutral groups to make the best word choice.
How Formal Is It?
"The gentlemen of the committee have reached a consensus."
"The men gathered for the meeting."
"Hey guys, what's up?"
"The grown-ups are talking, please be quiet."
"Those dudes are really cool."
Beispiele nach Niveau
The men are tall.
Los hombres son altos.
Simple present tense, 'to be' verb.
Two men walk here.
Dos hombres caminan aquí.
Simple present tense, plural subject.
Are the men happy?
¿Están los hombres felices?
Question form with 'to be' verb.
The men like apples.
A los hombres les gustan las manzanas.
Simple present tense, verb 'like'.
I see three men.
Veo a tres hombres.
Simple present tense, object pronoun.
Many men work hard.
Muchos hombres trabajan duro.
Quantifier 'many' with plural noun.
The men have hats.
Los hombres tienen sombreros.
Simple present tense, verb 'have'.
Hello, men!
¡Hola, hombres!
Simple greeting.
In many cultures, men have historically been associated with leadership roles and providing for their families, although these societal norms are evolving.
In vielen Kulturen wurden Männer historisch mit Führungsrollen und der Versorgung ihrer Familien assoziiert, obwohl sich diese gesellschaftlichen Normen weiterentwickeln.
Here, 'men' is used in a general sense to refer to males collectively, highlighting a historical and societal perspective. The use of 'many cultures' broadens the scope.
The study found significant differences in stress coping mechanisms between men and women, suggesting a need for gender-specific mental health support.
Die Studie stellte signifikante Unterschiede in den Stressbewältigungsmechanismen zwischen Männern und Frauen fest, was auf die Notwendigkeit geschlechtsspezifischer Unterstützung im Bereich der psychischen Gesundheit hindeutet.
This sentence contrasts 'men' with 'women' in a comparative study, emphasizing a scientific or research context. The phrasing 'gender-specific' is typical of C1.
As the industrial revolution progressed, men increasingly left agricultural work to seek employment in factories and urban centers, transforming societal structures.
Mit fortschreitender industrieller Revolution verließen Männer zunehmend die landwirtschaftliche Arbeit, um Beschäftigung in Fabriken und städtischen Zentren zu suchen, was die gesellschaftlichen Strukturen veränderte.
The sentence places 'men' within a historical narrative, discussing their role in societal change. The phrase 'as the industrial revolution progressed' provides a sophisticated temporal context.
Despite advancements in gender equality, some professional fields still exhibit a disproportionate representation of men, leading to ongoing discussions about workplace diversity.
Trotz Fortschritten bei der Geschlechtergleichheit weisen einige Berufsfelder immer noch eine unverhältnismäßige Vertretung von Männern auf, was zu anhaltenden Diskussionen über Vielfalt am Arbeitsplatz führt.
Here, 'men' is used in the context of professional demographics and ongoing social issues, which is common in C1 discourse. 'Disproportionate representation' is a high-level collocation.
The panel discussion centered on the evolving roles of men in modern families, particularly concerning shared parenting responsibilities and domestic labor.
Die Podiumsdiskussion konzentrierte sich auf die sich entwickelnden Rollen von Männern in modernen Familien, insbesondere in Bezug auf geteilte elterliche Verantwortlichkeiten und häusliche Arbeit.
This example uses 'men' in the context of contemporary social changes within family structures, often discussed at C1 level. 'Evolving roles' and 'shared parenting responsibilities' are advanced concepts.
While traditionally associated with certain sports, men are increasingly participating in a wider range of activities, challenging conventional notions of masculinity.
Während sie traditionell mit bestimmten Sportarten assoziiert wurden, beteiligen sich Männer zunehmend an einer breiteren Palette von Aktivitäten, was konventionelle Vorstellungen von Männlichkeit in Frage stellt.
This sentence explores the diversification of 'men's' interests and how it challenges traditional stereotypes, a topic suitable for C1. 'Conventional notions of masculinity' is a complex idea.
The conference brought together leading experts from various fields to discuss how men's health initiatives can be improved globally, addressing both physical and mental well-being.
Die Konferenz brachte führende Experten aus verschiedenen Bereichen zusammen, um zu diskutieren, wie Männergesundheitsinitiativen weltweit verbessert werden können, wobei sowohl das körperliche als auch das geistige Wohlbefinden angesprochen wird.
Here, 'men's health initiatives' is a specific and formal collocation, indicating a C1 context. The global scope and focus on well-being add to the complexity.
It is imperative that men are actively involved in dialogues about gender equality, as their perspectives are crucial for achieving comprehensive and sustainable change.
Es ist zwingend erforderlich, dass Männer aktiv an Dialogen über Geschlechtergleichheit beteiligt sind, da ihre Perspektiven entscheidend für das Erreichen umfassender und nachhaltiger Veränderungen sind.
This sentence uses 'men' in an argument for active participation in social discourse, employing formal vocabulary like 'imperative' and 'comprehensive and sustainable change,' indicative of C1.
So verwendest du es
When referring to adult human males, always use men for plural and man for singular. For example, 'Two men walked into a room.'
A common mistake is using 'mans' as the plural form. For example, 'Many mans came to the party' is incorrect. The correct plural is men. Another mistake is confusing 'men' with 'man' in terms of singular and plural. For instance, 'The men is here' is incorrect; it should be 'The men are here' for plural, or 'The man is here' for singular.
Tipps
Hear and Repeat
Listen to the pronunciation of men and repeat it several times. This helps with auditory recognition and speaking practice.
Use in Simple Sentences
Create basic sentences with men, like 'The men are tall' or 'I see two men.' This helps with contextual understanding.
Visual Association
Look at pictures of groups of adult males and say the word men. Visuals can strengthen memory.
Distinguish from 'Man'
Remember that men is the plural of 'man'. Don't confuse the singular and plural forms.
Flashcards
Make a flashcard with men on one side and its definition or a picture on the other. Review it regularly.
Gendered Language
Be aware that men is specific to adult males. English also has 'people' for general groups.
Practice with Numbers
Say 'one man, two men, three men'. This reinforces the plural concept.
Irregular Plural
Note that men is an irregular plural (doesn't end in -s). Many common words in English are irregular.
Listen for Context
When watching English media, try to hear men and understand its use in the conversation.
Write it Down
Practice writing the word men multiple times. Writing helps with spelling and memorization.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenHistorically, 'men' was sometimes used to refer to all people, including women. However, in modern English, it's generally more precise to use words like 'people,' 'humankind,' or 'humans' when you mean to include everyone. 'Men' specifically refers to adult human males.
'Man' is the singular form, referring to one adult human male. 'Men' is the plural form, referring to two or more adult human males.
Yes, 'men' specifically refers to adult human males. If you're talking about young males, you would use 'boys'.
You can use 'men' in sentences like: 'The men are working on the construction site.' or 'There were many men at the conference.'
No, 'men' is an irregular plural. The singular form is 'man,' and the plural form changes the vowel (a to e) rather than adding an -s or -es.
It's best to use gender-neutral terms like 'people,' 'individuals,' or 'they' if you don't know the gender, or if you want to include all genders. 'Men' specifically refers to males.
The opposite of 'men' (adult human males) would be 'women' (adult human females).
Yes, English has several irregular plurals. Some examples include: 'woman' -> 'women', 'foot' -> 'feet', 'tooth' -> 'teeth', 'mouse' -> 'mice'.
You would say 'a group of men' because you are referring to multiple adult human males.
No, 'men' specifically refers to adult human males. For male animals, you would use terms like 'male,' 'buck,' 'bull,' etc., depending on the animal.
Teste dich selbst 84 Fragen
The three ___ are standing together.
The word 'men' is the plural form of 'man' and is used when referring to more than one adult male.
There are many strong ___ in the army.
'Men' is the correct plural form for multiple adult males.
Two ___ are talking about sports.
Since the sentence refers to 'two' people, the plural form 'men' is needed.
All the ___ in the room are tall.
The word 'all' indicates a plural subject, so 'men' is correct.
The ___ built the house.
This sentence implies multiple individuals built the house, making 'men' the appropriate choice.
My father and his friends are good ___.
'My father and his friends' implies multiple adult males, thus 'men' is correct.
Listen for the plural form of 'man'.
How many adult males are mentioned?
Listen for the number of 'men'.
Read this aloud:
The men are tall.
Focus: men
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Are the men happy?
Focus: men
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Many men like sports.
Focus: men
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes a group of adult males as tall.
This sentence indicates that two adult males are walking in this location.
This sentence states that a group of adult males are friends.
The ___ built the house in only two months.
The sentence indicates multiple male individuals were involved in building the house. 'Men' is the plural form of 'man'.
At the conference, many important ___ gathered to discuss the new project.
'Men' is the correct plural form to refer to multiple adult male individuals attending a conference.
The three ___ in the band played their instruments very well.
Since there are three individuals and the context implies adults in a band, 'men' is the appropriate plural form.
In this photograph, the ___ are wearing suits and ties.
The attire (suits and ties) suggests adult males, and 'men' is the plural form.
My father and his two brothers are all tall ___. They look very similar.
The sentence refers to multiple adult male family members, making 'men' the correct choice.
The sports team is made up of eleven strong ___.
A sports team typically comprises multiple individuals, and 'men' is the plural for adult males.
This sentence describes men in the act of working.
This sentence talks about men enjoying sports.
This sentence identifies a group of men as friends.
The historical period known as the Renaissance saw many talented artists and thinkers, often referred to as 'Renaissance ___'.
The term 'Renaissance men' is commonly used to describe the many skilled and knowledgeable individuals of that era, referring to multiple adult human males.
In ancient Sparta, young boys were rigorously trained from a young age to become disciplined soldiers and strong ___.
This sentence discusses the training of multiple boys into adult soldiers, making 'men' the appropriate plural form.
A group of skilled ___ worked tirelessly to construct the intricate bridge, ensuring its stability and durability.
The context implies a group of multiple adult male workers, so 'men' is the correct plural noun.
During the protest, a diverse crowd of ___ and women marched peacefully to advocate for their rights.
The phrase 'men and women' is a common way to refer to adult males and females collectively.
The company's board of directors is composed of experienced businesswomen and highly respected business ___.
This sentence contrasts businesswomen with multiple respected adult male counterparts, thus 'men' is correct.
Throughout history, brave ___ have fought for freedom and justice in countless battles and movements.
This sentence refers to a general group of multiple adult male heroes who have fought for freedom, making 'men' the appropriate plural.
The ______ in the park were playing a game of soccer.
The sentence requires a plural noun to agree with 'were playing', and 'men' is the plural of 'man'.
At the conference, many important ______ gave speeches about their research.
'Men' is the correct plural form to refer to multiple adult human males giving speeches.
The company has decided to hire more ______ to improve the diversity of its workforce.
'Men' is the most natural and common plural noun to refer to adult human males in this context.
The word 'men' can refer to a group of both adult males and young boys.
The definition specifies that 'men' refers to adult human males, distinguishing them from children (boys).
If you see a group of adult females and adult males, you can refer to them as 'men'.
'Men' specifically refers to adult human males. For a mixed group, terms like 'people' or 'men and women' would be more appropriate.
The word 'men' is the plural form of 'man'.
The definition clearly states that 'men' is the plural form of the word 'man'.
Listen for the subject of the sentence.
Pay attention to what many men enjoy.
Listen for where the men decided to go.
Read this aloud:
The men in the workshop are very skilled.
Focus: men, skilled
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
All the men agreed to the new proposal.
Focus: men, agreed, proposal
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Several men were waiting for the bus at the stop.
Focus: several, men, waiting
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are at a sporting event. Describe the actions of the men in the crowd. What are they doing? How are they reacting to the game?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
At the football game, many men in the crowd were cheering loudly for their team, waving flags, and high-fiving each other after a good play. Some were also discussing strategies and analyzing every move on the field.
Write a short paragraph describing a group of men working together on a project. What kind of project is it, and what are their roles?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The men in the construction crew were working diligently on building a new bridge. Some were operating heavy machinery, others were directing traffic, and a few were carefully assembling the steel framework, showcasing great teamwork.
Describe a common stereotype or characteristic often associated with 'men' in your culture. Is it accurate? Why or why not?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In my culture, men are often stereotyped as being strong and stoic, not openly expressing emotions. While many men possess strength, I believe it's not entirely accurate as all individuals, regardless of gender, experience and express emotions differently.
What is a historical role often associated with men according to the passage?
Read this passage:
In many societies, men have historically taken on roles as providers and protectors for their families. This often involved physically demanding jobs or leadership positions. While these roles have evolved significantly over time, the expectation of responsibility and contribution remains a strong theme for men in modern society.
What is a historical role often associated with men according to the passage?
The passage states that 'men have historically taken on roles as providers and protectors for their families.'
The passage states that 'men have historically taken on roles as providers and protectors for their families.'
What was the main purpose of the men participating in the charity run?
Read this passage:
The annual charity run attracted participants from all walks of life. Among them were several groups of men, some running competitively, others jogging for fun, and a few simply walking to support the cause. Their collective effort raised a significant amount of money for the local community.
What was the main purpose of the men participating in the charity run?
The passage mentions that their 'collective effort raised a significant amount of money for the local community,' indicating this was the main purpose.
The passage mentions that their 'collective effort raised a significant amount of money for the local community,' indicating this was the main purpose.
According to the study, what are some types of hobbies men engage in?
Read this passage:
A recent study explored the different ways men engage in hobbies and leisure activities. It found that while some men prefer solitary activities like reading or fishing, many also enjoy group activities such as team sports or social clubs. The study highlighted the importance of these activities for mental well-being and social connection.
According to the study, what are some types of hobbies men engage in?
The passage states that 'some men prefer solitary activities... many also enjoy group activities,' indicating both types are common.
The passage states that 'some men prefer solitary activities... many also enjoy group activities,' indicating both types are common.
The historical accounts often emphasize the bravery of the ______ who fought in ancient battles.
The word 'men' is the plural form of 'man' and is correctly used here to refer to multiple adult human males.
A group of prominent business ______ gathered to discuss the economic forecast.
'Men' is the correct plural form of 'man' when referring to multiple adult human males, especially in a professional context.
Throughout history, ______ have played diverse roles in shaping societies and cultures.
To refer to adult human males in general and in plural, 'men' is the appropriate form.
The word 'men' refers to a single adult human male.
'Men' is the plural form of 'man', meaning it refers to two or more adult human males.
You would typically use 'men' when talking about a group of boys who are under the age of 18.
'Men' specifically refers to adult human males, not children or boys.
The term 'men' can be used interchangeably with 'women' when referring to a mixed-gender group.
'Men' refers exclusively to adult human males. For a mixed-gender group, terms like 'people' or 'individuals' would be more appropriate.
Describe a situation where a group of men demonstrated exceptional teamwork and problem-solving skills to overcome a challenge. Focus on their collaborative efforts and the positive outcome.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In a critical situation during a mountain rescue operation, a team of experienced men worked tirelessly to locate and extract a stranded hiker. Their coordinated efforts, clear communication, and strategic planning, despite harsh weather conditions, ultimately led to a successful rescue, highlighting their remarkable teamwork and unwavering dedication.
Discuss the evolving roles of men in modern society. How have traditional expectations shifted, and what new challenges or opportunities do men face today?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Modern society has witnessed a significant shift in the roles of men, moving beyond rigid traditional expectations. While some challenges persist, such as balancing career and family, new opportunities have emerged for men to embrace diverse interests and contribute to society in multifaceted ways, fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment.
Imagine you are writing a news report about a significant scientific discovery made by a team of male researchers. Detail the discovery, its potential impact, and the contributions of the men involved.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A groundbreaking discovery in quantum physics has been announced by a team of brilliant male researchers at the University of Cambridge. Their work on superconductivity at room temperature has the potential to revolutionize energy transmission and computing. The lead scientists, Dr. Alistair Finch and Professor Ben Carter, along with their dedicated team of men, have spent years meticulously exploring this complex field, leading to an advancement that could shape the future.
What was the main finding of the study mentioned in the passage?
Read this passage:
A recent study explored the impact of mentorship programs on career progression among young men in various industries. The findings indicated that men who participated in these programs reported higher job satisfaction and faster promotion rates compared to their peers. The study emphasized the importance of experienced men guiding younger individuals in their professional development.
What was the main finding of the study mentioned in the passage?
The passage explicitly states that 'men who participated in these programs reported higher job satisfaction and faster promotion rates'.
The passage explicitly states that 'men who participated in these programs reported higher job satisfaction and faster promotion rates'.
According to the passage, what has been a consistent historical role for men?
Read this passage:
Historically, men have played crucial roles in the defense of nations, often enduring immense hardship and making significant sacrifices. Their courage and resilience on battlefields have shaped the course of history. Even in modern times, men continue to serve in armed forces worldwide, upholding traditions of duty and honor.
According to the passage, what has been a consistent historical role for men?
The passage clearly states that 'Historically, men have played crucial roles in the defense of nations'.
The passage clearly states that 'Historically, men have played crucial roles in the defense of nations'.
What is the primary goal of 'Men's Health Week'?
Read this passage:
The annual 'Men's Health Week' aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment among men. Various events and campaigns during this week focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, mental well-being, and regular medical check-ups. It emphasizes that men, like women, should prioritize their health.
What is the primary goal of 'Men's Health Week'?
The passage states that the week 'aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment among men'.
The passage states that the week 'aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment among men'.
This sentence describes the composition of a company's workforce.
This sentence highlights the positive qualities of a group of men.
This sentence specifies the attendees of a meeting.
Focus on the abstract discussion of the term 'men'.
Consider the evolution of gender roles.
Think about the complexities of identity.
Read this aloud:
Articulate a nuanced perspective on how the term 'men' might inadvertently perpetuate essentialist views, despite its common usage.
Focus: nuanced, inadvertently, essentialist, perpetuate
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Discuss the socio-historical trajectory of how 'men' have been conceptualized in Western thought, referencing at least two distinct eras or philosophical movements.
Focus: socio-historical, trajectory, conceptualized, philosophical movements
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Critique the utility of broad categorical labels like 'men' when analyzing complex phenomena such as gender inequality or mental health disparities.
Focus: critique, utility, categorical, phenomena, disparities
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence structure places the subject ('discourse') and then elaborates on its origin ('of men') and its effect ('illuminated the complexities of societal evolution').
The sentence begins with the possessive pronoun 'their' followed by 'unwavering commitment to justice' as the subject phrase, with 'distinguished' as the verb and 'these men' as the object, concluding with a comparative phrase.
The sentence starts with a prepositional phrase, followed by the subject ('courageous deeds') modified by 'of these men', and the verb 'resonate' with an accompanying prepositional phrase indicating significance.
/ 84 correct
Perfect score!
Hear and Repeat
Listen to the pronunciation of men and repeat it several times. This helps with auditory recognition and speaking practice.
Use in Simple Sentences
Create basic sentences with men, like 'The men are tall' or 'I see two men.' This helps with contextual understanding.
Visual Association
Look at pictures of groups of adult males and say the word men. Visuals can strengthen memory.
Distinguish from 'Man'
Remember that men is the plural of 'man'. Don't confuse the singular and plural forms.
Beispiel
The men are playing football in the park.
Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr People Wörter
people
A1Menschen bezieht sich auf eine Gruppe von Menschen oder die breite Öffentlichkeit. Es ist die Standard-Pluralform des Wortes 'Person'.
indians
B1The plural form of 'Indian', referring to people who are citizens of India or of Indian descent. In some contexts, particularly historical or legal ones in the Americas, it refers to Indigenous peoples, though terms like 'Native Americans' or 'Indigenous people' are often preferred today.
kid
A2A kid is an informal word used to describe a child or a young person. It is also the specific name for a young goat, though in common conversation, it almost always refers to a human.
expert
A2Jemand, der sehr viel über ein bestimmtes Thema weiß oder eine Fähigkeit sehr gut beherrscht.
role
C1Die Aufgabe oder Funktion, die jemand in einer bestimmten Situation hat. Was jemand tut, ist seine Rolle.
buffoon
B2To behave in a silly, ridiculous, or foolish way, often to amuse others or to distract from a serious situation. In an academic context, it refers to the performance of absurdity or the intentional playing of the fool.
bumbler
B2A person who behaves in a clumsy, awkward, or incompetent manner, frequently making mistakes or stumbling through tasks. It typically describes someone who is well-intentioned but lacks the necessary skill or coordination to be effective.
hyperacrist
C1Eine Person, die von sich und anderen extreme Perfektion verlangt. Sie kritisiert jede noch so kleine Abweichung vom Ideal.
member
A1Eine Person, die zu einer bestimmten Gruppe oder Organisation gehört.
civilian
B1A civilian is a person who is not a member of the armed forces, the police, or a fire department. This word is most often used to distinguish regular people from those in uniform or official combat roles.
