sociological

adjective

so·​cio·​log·​i·​cal ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce sociological (audio) ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə- How to pronounce sociological (audio)
variants or less commonly sociologic
ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce sociological (audio)
ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə-
1
: of or relating to sociology or to the methodological approach of sociology
2
: oriented or directed toward social needs and problems
sociologically adverb

Examples of sociological in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These writers aren’t on a sociological mission. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 This show is not a sociological treatise on the struggles of a contemporary American city. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026 The adventure interlaces Le Guin’s signature sociological observations about our own culture with the discoveries of an alien world in a way that still resonates today. Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 For me, writing means trying to get close enough to each character to feel their heart beating, which challenges the first level, because human beings are much more complex and contradictory than sociological simplifications. Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sociological

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sociological was in 1843

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Cite this Entry

“Sociological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociological. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

sociological

adjective
so·​cio·​log·​i·​cal ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce sociological (audio)
ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə-
variants also sociologic
1
: of or relating to sociology or its methods
2
: concerned with or relating to social needs and problems
sociologically adverb

Medical Definition

sociological

adjective
so·​cio·​log·​i·​cal ˌsō-sē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce sociological (audio) ˌsō-sh(ē-)ə- How to pronounce sociological (audio)
variants also sociologic
: of or relating to sociology or to the methodological approach of sociology
sociologically adverb

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