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 As a result, Blanchard says the babies become socialized and at ease with people. Hang Nguyen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023 Don Lemon, the longtime host, socialized with Mr. Zaslav in New York and the Hamptons. Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 15 Nov. 2023 After all, working from home means fewer costs; more time for sleep, exercise, socializing, and family bonding; and not having to commute—even if that means giving up the team bonding, career development, and mentorship that in-person work facilitates. Jane Thier, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2023 The presentation offered a glimpse into upcoming activities, including music on Spotify, gaming, tournaments, socializing, and an exclusive store for Barça Games merchandise and event tickets. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 10 Nov. 2023 As the dinner went on—and the ice slowly began to melt into the tablecloth itself —guests stayed dry by getting up and socializing. Vogue, 9 Nov. 2023 The original layout included a second galley on this level, but in the spirit of socializing, the owner amended the design to include an open bar. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2023 Scholars of family political dynasties in America point out that children in political families are socialized into the profession and thus grow up with political skills and knowledge. TIME, 12 Oct. 2023 The key is having employees commute to the office only for the activities that can be most productively completed there, such as intense synchronous collaboration, nuanced conversations, socializing, team bonding, and on-the-job training and mentoring. Gleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 8 Nov. 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 3 Dec. 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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