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

He’d been inspired by former teammate Jacque Jones returning to the University of Southern California 20 years after the Twins drafted him to complete his sociology degree in 2018. —Dan Hayes, New York Times, 21 May 2025

In addition to offering courses in literature, world history, sociology, Latin, Greek, geography and algebra, her students were also taught Black history and culture. —Karida L. Brown, Essence, 21 May 2025

Fashion and sociology experts previously told USA TODAY the red carpet trend of nudity for nudity's sake speaks a lot to gender, agency and power in our culture. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 May 2025

Burke, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, attended the small liberal-arts college in Salem, Virginia, in the 70s, and returned to her alma mater in 1992 to teach sociology. —Air Mail, 10 May 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