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

Argentina has some very good universities for psychology and sociology. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Survivor Cast for Season 51 Ranging in age from 24 to 49, the 21-person group includes a federal prosecutor, professional wrestler, voice actress and sociology professor. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The new cast features people from all walks of life, including a sociology professor, a farmer and a lingerie business owner. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

The cast features 21 first-time players, including a criminal defense attorney, actors, a sociology professor, a former WWE star, a farmer, New York Yankees executive Mike Pinsky and more, all vying for a $1 million prize. — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Sep. 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