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
: synecology
sociologist
ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jist How to pronounce sociology (audio) ˌsō-shē- How to pronounce sociology (audio)
noun

Examples of sociology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Pamela Aronson, a professor of sociology at University of Michigan-Dearborn, said this recent surge of nostalgia from Gen Zers has likely been fueled by the uncertainty and volatility of the current climate. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2025 Chuk majored in Chinese literature and sociology at the University of Hong Kong and made two award-winning short films before adapting Fly Me To Moon from her own novel. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025 Nancy Ammerman, a professor emerita of the sociology of religion (also at Boston University), agreed with Hefner that politics is replacing religion. — John Scott Lewinski, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 In the fall of 1960, Jackson transferred to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a historically Black college in Greensboro, North Carolina, to complete his sociology degree. — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 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

Phrases Containing sociology

Rhymes for sociology

See All Rhymes for sociology

Browse Nearby Words

sociologize
sociology
sociometrist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sociology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociology. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sociology

Nglish: Translation of sociology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sociology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All