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

Michael Rosenfeld, a social demographer and professor of sociology at Stanford University, found that women initiated 69% of divorces, compared to 31% initiated by men, and that married women reported lower levels of relationship quality than married men. —Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 7 May 2026

Milgazo is a senior majoring in sociology and political science. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

In the late 1990s, it was combined with the sociology department at the University of Birmingham before closing down in 2002. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026

My hidden talent is connecting dots across worlds that usually don’t talk to each other — economics, sociology, agriculture and business. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 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