sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jē  ˌsō-shē- 

1

: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings

2

: the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society

3

: synecology

sociologist

ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jist  ˌsō-shē- 

noun

Examples of sociology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They are designed to attract investment into a country and have been found to make a difference to a nation's GDP, as Dr. Kristin Surak, associate professor of political sociology at LSE, wrote. —Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025

Shelters have long existed in big cities, but communities across the state have turned to them for legal cover to more aggressively clear tents and ticket their occupants, said Chris Herring, a UCLA assistant professor of sociology who spent 90 nights in San Francisco shelters. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025

Originally from the Washington, D.C, area, Sarah received her bachelor of arts in sociology ... —Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 14 Feb. 2025

And maybe some sociology or history teachers will just play this film and say, ‘Oh, this is a film that a guy made about our city many years ago. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French sociologie, from socio- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sociology

• industrial sociology

Rhymes for sociology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

ˌsō-shē-

: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

Medical Definition

sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē  ˌsō-shē- 

plural sociologies

: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings