socialize

verb so·cial·ize \ ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz \

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Examples: socialize in a Sentence

Definition of socialize

socialized; socializing

transitive verb

1 : to make social; especially : to fit or train for a social environment

2 a : to constitute on a socialistic basis

socialize industry

b : to adapt to social needs or uses

3 : to organize group participation in

socialize a recitation

intransitive verb

: to participate actively in a social group

—

socialization

play \ˌsō-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

—

socializer

play \ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

See socialize defined for English-language learners

See socialize defined for kids

Examples of socialize in a Sentence

She danced and socialized at the party.
he likes to socialize with his coworkers after work ends

Recent Examples of socialize from the Web

When the Taggart family gathered at their Palmetto home, John was fired up, eager to dance and socialize with his grandchildren.

— safid deen, OrlandoSentinel.com, "FSU coach Willie Taggart braces for first Father's Day without his dad," 17 June 2018
The lawsuit alleged that John Burke, Trek’s president, lived in the same Madison suburb where Mr. Farley was raised and that Mr. Burke’s and Mr. Farley’s families socialized with one another.

— niraj chokshi, New York Times, "Chris Farley’s Family Settles With Bike Maker Over ‘Fat Guy’ Brand," 7 June 2018
Officers will meet and socialize with guests, lead a tour of the building, offer dinner and sign up individuals for the registry.

— elliot hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Oak Creek police to host open house for special-needs registry program," 23 May 2018
At the time, start-ups like WhatsApp, Uber and Deliveroo were upending the landscape of their respective sectors, transforming the way people communicate, shop, socialize, travel and eat.

— elizabeth paton, New York Times, "Tagwalk Wants to Be the Google of Fashion," 5 July 2018
The innovations created in games support technological innovations that change society and the way people socialize, yet people are also eager to blame large systemic issues like gun violence in schools on video games.

— lindsay grace, Smithsonian, "The Original ‘Space Invaders’ is an Icon of 1970s America’s Deepest Fears," 19 June 2018
Along with academics, the school offers classes in physical play, socializing through conversation, art, and music.

— eam asaduzzaman and shababa iqbal, The Christian Science Monitor, "School in Bangladesh builds confidence for autistic students – and their parents," 10 July 2018
Dozens of dogs darted, dashed, splashed or simply socialized Saturday during the Tinley Park Park District's fourth annual Beach Pawty.

— dennis sullivan, Daily Southtown, "Dog days of summer: Tinley Park district throws Beach Pawty at Canine Campus park," 9 July 2018
What the Panthers could do: Bank of America Stadium was built with the assumption that a ticket-holder was coming to watch a football game and not socialize.

— steve harrison, charlotteobserver, "NFL stadiums are more luxurious than ever. Here's how the Panthers could keep up.," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'socialize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of socialize

1765

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

socialize Synonyms

Phrases

rub elbows (or rub shoulders);

Other Sociology Terms

bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture

SOCIALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

socialize

verb

Definition of socialize for English Language Learners

: to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way
: to teach (someone) to behave in a way that is acceptable in society

Medical Dictionary

socialize

transitive verb so·cial·ize

variants: also British socialise play \ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz\

medical Definition of socialize

socialized also British socialised; socializing also British socialising

: to make social; especially : to fit or train for society or a social environment

children are socialized according to a given cultural pattern
—H. A. Murray & C. K. Kluckhohn

Learn More about socialize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for socialize Spanish Central: Translation of socialize Nglish: Translation of socialize for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up socialize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

socialize

Definition of socialize

socialization

socializer

Examples of socialize in a Sentence

Recent Examples of socialize from the Web

First Known Use of socialize

socialize Synonyms

Synonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Phrases

Other Sociology Terms

SOCIALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

socialize

Definition of socialize for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

socialize

medical Definition of socialize

Learn More about socialize

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Good, The Bad, & The Semantically Imprecise - 8/17/2018

Difficult Spelling Words Quiz

9 Words for Places People Call "Home"

Trending: Brennan: Trump's Claims are 'Hogwash'

Ghost Word