socialize

verb so·cial·ize \ ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz \

|Updated on: 21 Jun 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

The collegial atmosphere there meant the two socialized together more than ever, and after two months, Nick found the courage to ask Ashley to join him at Lancaster Brewing Co. — just the two of them.

— Philly.com, "Philadelphia weddings: Ashley Carnes-Carelock and Nicholas Lucente," 15 June 2018
Critically, Besen-Cassino's research demonstrates how girls are being socialized early to expect less money for more work and away from negotiating for better pay.

— chicagotribune.com, "Teens face a gender pay gap, too. Here's how to help them navigate it.," 13 June 2018
Omegle Omegle is a free online chat forum where users socialize with strangers.

— kara driscoll, ajc, "7 social media apps that could put kids in danger," 30 May 2018
Passengers can sit inside out of the cold and view the icy glacial waters or just find a private area to read, nap or socialize.

— rosemary mcclure, latimes.com, "Norwegian Cruise Line sends a really big ship to L.A., and there may be more to come," 30 May 2018
People gathered around fires for heat, food preparation, tool making, socializing.

— anna diamond, Smithsonian, "What Is the Future of Fire?," 25 May 2018
And even those lefties who are genuinely committed to socializing the means of production are, typically, quite comfortable with the survival of material inequality within a narrow band (to incentivize and reward socially useful labor).

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Jordan Peterson Does Not Support ‘Equality of Opportunity’," 25 May 2018
The Stay 'n Play option allows parents to stay and work or socialize while kids play nearby.

— wendy killeen, azcentral, "Indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks and places in Phoenix kids can play and stay cool," 24 May 2018
Ding is the brawn to Wang's brain, organizing and socializing on the artist's behalf.

— clarence tsui, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Pluto Moment' ('Ming Wang Xing Shi Ke'): Film Review | Cannes 2018," 23 May 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

What It Means to Go ‘Radio Silent’

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word