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.
Bernard Koch, an assistant sociology professor at the University of Chicago who researches artificial intelligence, said worries about AI’s impact on people's lives are probably fueling the uproar over data centers and Flock cameras. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026 Taiwan’s publishers released six times as many books about Hong Kong between 2020 and 2024 as in the previous five years, according to Cheng Tsu-Bang, a sociology professor at Tunghai University in Taiwan. — Kanis Leung, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2026 Many humanities and social science majors — pursued by students with a passion for sociology, history, art, music and English — tend to earn far less, around $40,000 to $60,000, the data show. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Before entering politics, Arévalo received a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sociology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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