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

But Lafosse doesn’t linger on the sociology of the situation and instead emphasizes how secrets and lies fray this fragile family’s cohesion. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025

The behavior isn't necessarily new, according to Amanda Miller, professor of sociology at the University of Indianapolis. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025

Research in the fields of work psychology, sociology of innovation and complex systems theory shows that human-machine integration is more effective when change is co-designed and internalized through meaningful processes, rather than imposed vertically. —Cristian Randieri, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Kenneth Johnson, a senior demographer and professor of sociology at the college, analyzed nearly two decades of census and health data to uncover the dramatic demographic change. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 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