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

Sanya Wason is a rising senior at the University of Maryland studying journalism and sociology. —Molly Fellin Spence, Baltimore Sun, 29 May 2026

Research from professors of sociology Alexandra Kalev at Tel Aviv University and Frank Dobbin at Harvard University found that corporate programs supporting work-life balance are more successful at promoting diversity among managers than the most popular racial equity initiatives. —Beth Kowitt, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Genre in Various Traditions Genre theory developed across disciplines such as literature, linguistics, rhetoric, composition studies, critical discourse analysis, sociology, and education. —Tham Thi Nguyen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

The Nordics have grown used to low electricity prices, according to Vili Lehdonvirta, professor of economic sociology and digital research at the Oxford Internet Institute. —April Roach,joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 18 May 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