socialize

verb so·cial·ize \ ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

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

Because many with dementia have witnessed their usual outlets for self-expression gradually dissipate, these programs give them structured opportunities to tap into the brain’s creative network and socialize with caregivers, staff members and peers.

— michael ego, Smithsonian, "A New Therapy Has People With Dementia Sharing Baseball Memories," 30 Mar. 2018
The nonprofit lets elderly people socialize there on certain days.

— chuck yarborough, cleveland.com, "2018 Tri-C High School Rock Off: Here's who's playing when in the semifinals," 16 Jan. 2018
There will also be opportunities to socialize for breakfast at Mohegan Sun Buffet and lunch at Norwich Technical High School.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Killingly Edition," 27 Mar. 2018
As teacher of Israeli folk dancing classes at a local synagogue, Pearland-area resident Amira Hemme presides over a group that goes about learning dance steps and socializing with equal vigor.

— don maines, Houston Chronicle, "It's eight years and counting for lively Israeli dance class at Bay Area synagogue," 25 Mar. 2018
Integration among generations and socializing with neighbors are encouraged, and agriculture plays an important role.

— ottavia zappala, azcentral, "Gilbert visionary Joe Johnston combines residential, commercial spaces with Agritopia," 22 Mar. 2018
According to Woodson’s account, Woodson socialized with Savage and others one night in 1998, Savage offered to drive her home.

— tara isabella burton, Vox, "Tennessee pastor resigns after ‘sexual incident’ with minor," 21 Mar. 2018
But [lesbians] were careful; there was no socializing in public.

— mary kaye schilling, Newsweek, "'White Houses' Author Amy Bloom on Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok's Secret Love Affair," 14 Mar. 2018
The park is home to nine other beluga whales, giving Tyonek the chance to interact and socialize with other belugas — a key contributing factor in NOAA’s selection of the San Antonio park.

— joshua fechter, San Antonio Express-News, "Baby beluga whale Tyonek’s unusual, 4,000-mile journey to San Antonio," 13 Feb. 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

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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

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

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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

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