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

Matthew Larkin is a sociology professor at a Minnesota private college in a town much like Northfield. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025

Those with a deeper understanding of subjects like psychology and sociology will have an even greater edge on applicants who have only mastered technical skills, says Sean McGowan, employer relations director at Carnegie Mellon. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025

When an element of a conversation isn’t grammatically necessary, its use is likely socially meaningful, Steven Clayman, a sociology professor at UCLA, told me. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 20 Jan. 2025

Elizabeth Aranda is professor of sociology and director of the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at the University of South Florida. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 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