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

Five years later, Cisneros holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, works two jobs — as a substitute teacher and a program coordinator at Sacred Heart Community Services — and owns a small business creating events and floral arrangements. —Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 13 Dec. 2024

Elizabeth Yost, associate professor of sociology at Washington College, shared her take on Edwards' viral monologue. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Reeves, who also graduated with a degree in sociology this week, began lifting in the fourth grade at the CrossFit gym owned by her mother. —Jamie Barton, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024

Starbucks became the coffee shop of last resort for Stacy Torres, an author and assistant professor of sociology at UC San Francisco. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 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