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

Last Saturday’s gunfire in Pennsylvania unleashed an epidemic of sociology in the service of the modern instinct to identify social causes for disturbing individual acts. —George F. Will, Washington Post, 15 July 2024

This book also highlights the voice of preservationists, Creole organizations, and grassroots organizers, and is a great read for those interested in sociology and Louisiana’s unique racial history. —Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 10 July 2024

The experience was deeply formative for her, and later inspired her to pursue a degree in sociology in order to give back to foster children. —Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 15 June 2024

Marshalling memoir, science, sociology, and history, Jones argues that, outside of adolescence, there is no transformation as dramatic in a human’s life, in both its emotional and biological impacts. —The New Yorker, 12 June 2024

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

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