sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jē  ˌsō-shē- 

1

: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings

2

: the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society

3

: synecology

sociologist

ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jist  ˌsō-shē- 

noun

Examples of sociology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rosalind Kichler, an assistant teaching professor in sociology at the University of Washington, cautioned that the midterm results may not represent a permanent political realignment among younger voters. — Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026

The University of South Carolina announced a sociology course on Lady Gaga’s fame in 2010. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

All the scenes at Peter’s parties have a touch of an underground sociology lesson. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026

Poss, a Brantford, Ontario, native, became immersed in roots music while studying sociology at Duke University, notably after attending the Union Grove Fiddlers’ Convention. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French sociologie, from socio- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sociology

• industrial sociology

Rhymes for sociology

• anthology
• apology
• astrology
• biology
• christology
• chronology
• conchology
• cosmology
• cryptology
• cytology
• doxology
• ecology

Kids Definition

sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

ˌsō-shē-

: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

Medical Definition

sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē  ˌsō-shē- 

plural sociologies

: the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships

specifically : the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings