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.
After receiving his bachelor’s from Cal State LA, Cárdenas received a tuition waiver to pursue graduate studies in sociology at Norte Dame. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026 In the early 1990s, Jason Jimerson was a doctoral student in sociology at the University of Chicago who had spent the previous decade playing pickup basketball on college campuses. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Rapoport had essentially reverse-engineered a sociology textbook through intuition and realized its impact. — Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 One of the insurgents, a doctoral student in sociology named Darializa Avila Chevalier, is far more emblematic of the DSA’s radicalism. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026 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
sociometric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sociology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociology. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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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

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