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

The sociology professor was also a jazz zealot with a little record collection at home. —Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026

Gideon graduated from Cypress College in 2022 with degrees in sociology and social and behavioral sciences. —Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

Mariah Evans, an associate professor of sociology and resource economics at the time who spearheaded the study published in 2010, said having as few as 20 books in the home still has significant impacts on a child’s level of education. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026

From the 1950s, marketing began to shift its reliance partially away from economics and toward other academic disciplines, mainly the behavioral sciences, including sociology, anthropology, and psychology. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for sociology

• anthology
• apology
• astrology
• biology
• christology
• chronology
• conchology
• cosmology
• cryptology
• cytology
• doxology
• ecology

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