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

Originally from the Washington, D.C, area, Sarah received her bachelor of arts in sociology... —Sarah Lyon, Architectural Digest, 16 Aug. 2024

This seems important to stress, since beauty, along with sociology, is what Hooper gives us in lieu of direct answers. —Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2024

Malia has been pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, while in May 2023, Sasha graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in sociology. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2024

Westheimer worked as a maid to put herself through graduate school at The New School, earning a sociology degree there and, later, a doctorate from the Teacher's College at Columbia University. —EW.com, 13 July 2024

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