1
: involving allies or confederates
the Social War between the Athenians and their allies
2
a
: marked by or passed in pleasant companionship with friends or associates
an active social life
b
: sociable
c
: of, relating to, or designed for sociability
a social club
3
: of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society
social institutions
4
a
: tending to form cooperative and interdependent relationships with others
Infants can become social beings only through interaction with others.—
Gerald R. Leslie and Sheila K. Korman
Gerald R. Leslie and Sheila K. Korman
b
: living and breeding in more or less organized communities especially for the purposes of cooperation and mutual benefit : not solitary
Of the canid family, the wolf is one of the most social species, since it is a pack hunter.—Michael W. Fox
Michael W. FoxThe evolutionary theory of kin selection requires that social animals recognize their relatives so that altruistic behavior can be displayed preferentially toward kin.—Science
see also social insect
Science
c
of a plant
: tending to grow in groups or masses so as to form a pure stand
5
a
: of, relating to, or based on rank or status in a particular society
a member of our social set
b
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the upper classes
c
: formal
6
: being such in social situations
a social drinker
Synonyms
Examples of social in a Sentence
Adjective
She has poor social skills.
The vacation resort held a lot of social events.
I joined the club to improve my social life.
Her sister is much more social than she is.
social institutions like marriage and family
Health care is a major social issue.
Child abuse has become a serious social problem.
Martin Luther King, Jr., fought for social change.
Most humans are social beings.
Noun
The club has socials every month.
He's living on the social now.
See More
Recent Examples on the WebFaith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023
At the 2023 PCCAs on Thursday, the country music legend, 59, received the first-ever country champion award, recognizing her commitment to social advocacy and philanthropy throughout her career.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 29 Sep. 2023
Its demise offers crucial lessons for platforms trying to engage with power users — and a deeper understanding of who ultimately controls a social product.
—Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023
Erik Ortiz Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 28 Sep. 2023
The most social social media these days is … texting.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2023
This all comes on the heels of Lizzo accepting the Black Music Action Coalition’s Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, an honor that acknowledged her philanthropic work and commitment to social justice.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 28 Sep. 2023
Did scavenging contribute to promote social organization?
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Sep. 2023
McKay’s convoluted flick passed off snarky Hollywood narrative finagling for social insight, and Dumb Money winds up almost as unsatisfying — certainly as suspicious.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Sep. 2023
Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
For details go to Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire website and on all socials.
—Liza Lentini, Spin, 1 Sep. 2023
The union rules prohibit members from promoting new or finished works being released during the strike in interviews, on their socials or on red carpets.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2023
For a taste of the Boston Kizomba Festival energy year-round, local instructors organize semi-regular socials and dance parties, like a pop-up kizomba social on the Providence Bridge this week and Paul’s upcoming Kiz’Thursday event at Moves & Vibes Dancing Academy on Sept. 7.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2023
Lovato wrote on their socials back in 2019 after signing with Braun.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023
Often suggested for informal work socials or networking events, smart casual style revolves around building an outfit that’s relaxed—yet still professional.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2023
The photos will be displayed from Saturday morning until 11 a.m. Tuesday, when the Hayes host an annual Fourth of July ice-cream social.
—The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2023
Additionally, Jackson has scrubbed his socials of any photos and mentions of Palmer.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2023
See More
Adjective
But since then, social conservatives have whipped up outrage and concern about gender-affirming care for trans kids.
—Faith E. Pinho, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2023
At the 2023 PCCAs on Thursday, the country music legend, 59, received the first-ever country champion award, recognizing her commitment to social advocacy and philanthropy throughout her career.
—Sadie Bell, Peoplemag, 29 Sep. 2023
Its demise offers crucial lessons for platforms trying to engage with power users — and a deeper understanding of who ultimately controls a social product.
—Taylor Lorenz, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023
Erik Ortiz Erik Ortiz is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital focusing on racial injustice and social inequality.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 28 Sep. 2023
The most social social media these days is … texting.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 28 Sep. 2023
This all comes on the heels of Lizzo accepting the Black Music Action Coalition’s Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, an honor that acknowledged her philanthropic work and commitment to social justice.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 28 Sep. 2023
Did scavenging contribute to promote social organization?
—Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Sep. 2023
McKay’s convoluted flick passed off snarky Hollywood narrative finagling for social insight, and Dumb Money winds up almost as unsatisfying — certainly as suspicious.
—Armond White, National Review, 27 Sep. 2023
Noun
Entertainment & Arts Chris Evans and Taron Egerton deactivate socials: ‘My ability to be present is eroding’
June 30, 2023
Representatives for Evans and Baptista did not respond to The Times’ requests for comment.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
For details go to Tommy Stinson’s Cowboys in the Campfire website and on all socials.
—Liza Lentini, Spin, 1 Sep. 2023
The union rules prohibit members from promoting new or finished works being released during the strike in interviews, on their socials or on red carpets.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Aug. 2023
For a taste of the Boston Kizomba Festival energy year-round, local instructors organize semi-regular socials and dance parties, like a pop-up kizomba social on the Providence Bridge this week and Paul’s upcoming Kiz’Thursday event at Moves & Vibes Dancing Academy on Sept. 7.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2023
Lovato wrote on their socials back in 2019 after signing with Braun.
—Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023
Often suggested for informal work socials or networking events, smart casual style revolves around building an outfit that’s relaxed—yet still professional.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2023
The photos will be displayed from Saturday morning until 11 a.m. Tuesday, when the Hayes host an annual Fourth of July ice-cream social.
—The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2023
Additionally, Jackson has scrubbed his socials of any photos and mentions of Palmer.
—Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'social.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Latin socialis, from socius companion, ally, associate; akin to Old English secg man, companion, Latin sequi to follow — more at sue
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1857, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of social was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing social
Articles Related to social
Dictionary Entries Near social
Cite this Entry
“Social.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
social
1 of 2 adjective
so·cial
ˈsō-shəl 
1
a
: devoted to or engaged in for sociability
social events
my social life
2
: of or relating to human society
social institutions
3
a
: tending to form cooperative relationships with others
we are social beings
b
: living or growing by nature in groups or communities
bees are social insects
4
a
: of, relating to, or based on rank in a particular society
not accepted as their social equal
b
: of or relating to fashionable society
a social leader
social
2 of 2 noun
: a friendly gathering usually for a special reason
an ice cream social
Medical Definition
social
adjective
so·cial
ˈsō-shəl
1
a
: tending to form cooperative and interdependent relationships with others of one's kind
b
: living and breeding in more or less organized communities
social insects
2
: of or relating to human society, the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society
immature social behavior
More from Merriam-Webster on social
Nglish: Translation of social for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of social for Arabic Speakers
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