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

Shandor, who is 50, was head of the sociology faculty at Uzhhorod National University, in western Ukraine, when Russia invaded his country and tried to decapitate his government in early 2022. —Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026

As the 1970s got underway, the Baby Boom generation was still between 6 and 24 years old, noted Ken Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire not connected to the report. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

The State University System Board of Governors on Thursday removed sociology from the public university general education catalog. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Universities will still offer sociology majors and courses, but some faculty warn that removing the introductory class from general-education rolls could have lasting consequences on liberal-arts departments. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026

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