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

An academic perspective Kelly Bergstrand, associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Arlington, has for years studied social movements. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025

Much of the design was informed by a 25-page scholarly paper on how to govern such a city, written by a professor of sociology specifically for the show. —Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025

Fortunately she was matched with a donor heart in less than two weeks — and went on to graduate summa cum laude with a sociology degree from George Mason University. —Eileen Finan, People.com, 12 June 2025

Thirty-Nine and Forty-Four taught elementary school and Twenty-Seven, Sarah’s closest friend, was halfway to a doctorate in sociology. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 8 June 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

Rhymes for sociology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

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