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.
And ultimately that led me to pursue graduate studies in sociology and with a particular focus on the plain people. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 6 June 2026 Many of them were in sociology, because that seemed to be the field of choice for Japanese Americans coming out of the camps, because sociology would maybe tell them what had happened to them. — Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 8 June 2026 Torre graduated from Harvard College, where his study of child homicide in America won the Fulton Prize for the best thesis in sociology. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 June 2026 Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, the cultural architect moved to Chicago to attend graduate school and receive a degree in computational sociology. — Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 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 7 Jul. 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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