sociology

noun

so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce sociology (audio) ˌsō-shē- How to pronounce sociology (audio)
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

Examples of sociology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Hyeyoung Woo, PhD, a professor of sociology and director of the Institute for Asian Studies at Portland State University and whose research focuses on modern Korean society and culture, agrees with Kang and Lee’s take. Miranda Rake, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025 But critics of renewable energy blamed solar and wind, says Timmons Roberts, professor of environmental studies and sociology at Brown University. Julia Simon, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025 There’s a rich literature in political science and comparative political sociology that explores this question. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2025 Students often enter the master’s program with undergraduate degrees in areas such as sociology or psychology. Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sociology

Word History

Etymology

French sociologie, from socio- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sociology was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Sociology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociology. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sociology

noun
so·​ci·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce sociology (audio)
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 How to pronounce sociology (audio) ˌsō-shē- How to pronounce sociology (audio)
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

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