socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized; socializing

transitive verb

1

: to make social

especially : to fit or train for a social environment

2

a

: to constitute on a socialistic basis

socialize industry

b

: to adapt to social needs or uses

3

: to organize group participation in

socialize a recitation

intransitive verb

: to participate actively in a social group

socializer

ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• associate
• fraternize
• go out
• hobnob
• mingle
• mix
• step out

Examples of socialize in a Sentence

She danced and socialized at the party.

he likes to socialize with his coworkers after work ends

Recent Examples on the Web

Laze in the sun with a book on your private terrace, or socialize with like-minded travelers in the outdoor pool and lounge before heading out on the town to explore the area’s many restaurants and galleries. —Sunset Magazine, 10 Sep. 2024

There are more entertainers who identify as LGBTQ+, and the internet has helped LGBTQ+ individuals find people like them to socialize with. —Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 6 Sep. 2024

Three-day weekends present unnecessary pressure to socialize. —Jim Gaffigan september 1, CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024

There’s been a push to get elephants out of ancient zoo habitats, AZA president Dan Ashe said, and into larger spaces, where there are more opportunities to socialize and engage in natural behavior. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized; socializing

1

: to make social

especially : to make fit for a social environment

2

: to take part in social activities

socializing with friends after work

socialization

ˌsōsh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

socializer

ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Medical Definition

socialize

transitive verb

so·​cial·​ize

variants also British socialise

ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized also British socialised; socializing also British socialising

: to make social

especially : to fit or train for society or a social environment

children are socialized according to a given cultural pattern

—H. A. Murray & C. K. Kluckhohn