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

Lottie, a Canadian sociology student, arrives in Paris and notices a sprig of holly on her hotel door. —Laurence Scott, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

What begins as a memoir evolves into a compelling American story fueled not only by research into race and sociology, but also by Hawkins’ genealogy. —Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jan. 2025

Edlin Veras, assistant professor of sociology and Black studies at Swarthmore College, said the reasons for homeownership disparities are multifaceted. —Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025

Ángel Escamilla García is an assistant professor of sociology at Yale University, specializing in international migration from Latin America. —Angel Escamilla Garcia, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 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

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