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

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 on the Web The University of Maryland has lifted a two-week ban on events with alcohol and socializing with recruits at several dozen fraternities and sororities, saying its investigation into reports of dangerous activity was complete. Rachel Weiner, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 Doing so is especially encouraged at places with lots of puppies since the quality time helps socialize them. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 If there are more Northerners like yourself who have been pushed aside, consider forming a group of your own and socializing with them. Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 The plan includes a front patio where residents can relax and socialize. Housing at the church complex is open to young people, 18 to 25, who have aged out of the foster care system, along with their spouses and children. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 In trying to break free from addiction, Lugo had stopped socializing with people who Brissa Lugo said would cast doubt on recovery efforts. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024 These age limits make teens feel unwanted and leave them without a place to socialize. Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024 Opened in 1912, celebrity royalty soon chose to use the Beverly Hills Hotel as their playground, staying in the private bungalows and socializing in the Polo Lounge, making the property a Hollywood icon. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Courtyards and planters invite socializing – or relaxing. Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar. 2024

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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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