1. Referring to people who live in a country: There are several places that have been living in periods of civil unrest; and Syria is just one of them.
2. Relating to the normal business of the people in a town, a state, etc. which is not connected to the armed forces or to a religion: Jim and Jane were married in a civil ceremony at city hall.

There are civil organizations that involve people who are interested in achieving special objectives; such as, better education, more medical support, and other benefits for its local region and the nation.

3. Descriptive of being polite, but not friendly: It was difficult for Caroline to be civil with Bill because she was so angry at him for his unjustified accusations she was cheating on the history test.
4. Pertaining to caring about art, science, government, people's well-being, etc.: Marge insisted that a civil society will not only have honest and reliable officials, but that it will also provide care for its less fortunate citizens.
5. A reference to laws that describe a person's rights instead of to laws about crime: Harry and Harriet filed a civil suit against the company that made the toy which poisoned their little boy.