socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce socialize (audio)
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
socializer noun

Example Sentences

She danced and socialized at the party. he likes to socialize with his coworkers after work ends
Recent Examples on the Web Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 stars Karen Gillan and Pom Klementieff first bonded as fellow MCU aliens, Nebula and Mantis, but also as two of the few Guardians who could regularly socialize after work. Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 May 2023 Mealtime in just about every civilization is one in which people come together to socialize. Erik Kain, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023 Designed in collaboration with nine Latin American creatives and reflective of traditions from across Latin America, ÖMSESIDIG is all about celebrating and socializing, and the compelling products included in the collection are practically guaranteed to bring a jubilant mood into any home. Lauren Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2023 Benavidez chose to leave behind a life of socializing that led to a positive drug test and stripping of a title belt to re-commit himself to boxing and raise a family in a new place. José M. Romero, The Arizona Republic, 16 Mar. 2023 Guests saw the pair dancing and socializing, authorities said. Uwa Ede-osifo, NBC News, 2 Mar. 2023 Members of the audience sang and clapped along to their favorite songs, then gathered in the center’s library afterward to socialize with their friends. San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2023 As for socializing, Landrum suggests restarting a hobby or taking a class in town, which could increase opportunities for friendship. Amelia Arvesen, Women's Health, 17 May 2023 The responses included the use of apps to socialize, visiting local restaurants, and clubbing. Niharika Sharma, Quartz, 9 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'socialize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of socialize was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near socialize

Cite this Entry

“Socialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialize. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

socialize

verb
so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce socialize (audio)
socialized; socializing
1
: to make social
especially : to make fit for a social environment
2
: to take part in social activities
socializing with friends after work
socialization noun
socializer noun

Medical Definition

socialize

transitive verb
so·​cial·​ize
variants also British socialise
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

More from Merriam-Webster on socialize

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