civilian

plural civilians

1. A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces.

   Three civilians were apprehended by the soldiers and taken away in a military vehicle.

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   An army never can be commanded or controlled by civilians.

   1858, Prince George, letter to Sir Colin Campbell

2. informalA person who does not belong to a particular group or engage in a particular activity, an outsider.

   The bathroom was for employees only, so civilians weren't allowed to use it.

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   I have this vision one day that I'll walk amongst you a regular civilian.

   2013, Eminem, “The Monster”, in The Marshall Mathers LP 2

3. One skilled in civil law.

   Ancient civilians and writers upon government.

   1724, Jonathan Swift, “Drapier's Letters”, in 4

4. A student of civil law at a university or college.

   although he kept his name in the college books, and changed his commoner gown to that of a civilian, yet he had now, I believe, no thoughts of proceeding to any degree; and seldom resided in college any more

   1788, Richard Graves, Recollection of Some Particulars in the Life of the Late William Shenstone

5. slangA person not affiliated with a gang.
6. Indian EnglishAn employee of the civil service.

1. not comparableNot related to the military, police or other governmental professions.

   The three detainees were actually army defectors wearing civilian clothing.

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   He worked as a civilian journalist for ten years before being employed by the public broadcaster.