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

The new curricular framework, issued by the State University System’s Board of Governors, includes a template syllabus and a heavily edited version of Florida’s existing sociology textbook that removed nearly 400 pages related to race, class and gender. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026

Government actions have an important symbolic value and show that authorities deem violence against women unacceptable, said Isadora Vianna, a sociology researcher from Rio de Janeiro State University. —Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Estee Perchik Sery studied psychology and sociology, taught Judaic studies and Hebrew language to children and adults. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Trina Hope, director of the University of Oklahoma’s criminal justice program and an associate professor of sociology, said research often points to a mismatch between how police are trained and what most officers encounter on the job. —Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 5 Mar. 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

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

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