social engineering

noun

1
: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science
2
: social methods (such as phishing) that are used to obtain personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly
The previously noted trend of switching from social engineering to hacking methods in attacks on organizations strengthened …—San Fernando Valley (California) Business Journal
social engineer noun
plural social engineers

Examples of social engineering 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.
Carnival confirmed a breach affecting nearly 6 million people after a social engineering attack on a single user account. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 This new method involves hackers using social engineering to access freight broker accounts, posting fake loads, and then installing malware on legitimate trucking companies' systems. — Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The Constitution was not a Cartesian construct or formula aimed at social engineering, but something to protect the people from the government. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 1 July 2026 There are also more nebulous items, including advice to beware of social engineering. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for social engineering

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of social engineering was in 1899

Rhymes for social engineering

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Browse Nearby Words

social dynamics
social engineering
social evil
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Cite this Entry

“Social engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20engineering. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

social engineering

noun
1
: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science
2
: social methods (such as phishing) that are used to obtain personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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