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 Wade, a La Trobe University sociology lecturer focused on ethics of charity, credited Beast Philanthropy for establishing partnerships with esteemed philanthropic organizations. —CBS News, 1 Aug. 2024

Rights & Permissions Robert L. Nelson is professor of sociology and law at Northwestern University and MacCrate research chair at the American Bar Foundation. —Robert L. Nelson, Scientific American, 30 July 2024

Story continues below advertisement The answer depends not only on physiology but also sociology and technology. —Emily Giambalvo, Washington Post, 26 July 2024

Such immature, film-buff self-mythologizing is partly to blame for the trite politics in Killers of the Flower Moon and the insufficient sociology in The Irishman. —Armond White, National Review, 19 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