socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce socialize (audio)
socialized; socializing

transitive verb

1
: to make social
especially : to fit or train for a social environment
2
a
: to constitute on a socialistic basis
socialize industry
b
: to adapt to social needs or uses
3
: to organize group participation in
socialize a recitation

intransitive verb

: to participate actively in a social group
socializer noun

Examples of socialize in a Sentence

She danced and socialized at the party. he likes to socialize with his coworkers after work ends
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.
Instead of heading out to a bar with friends, young people opt to socialize in a tea shop. Jasmine Ting, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 In the early days of RP, when the mode was less well-known, that chance to socialize often meant that people with vastly different ideological and cultural backgrounds would play together. Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025 Sleep Disruption Sleep disruptions such as staying up all night to study or socialize, jet lag, chronic pain, a major illness that prevents you from sleeping, or shift work (working overnight or at other times outside the typical daytime work hours) can cause irregular sleep cycles. Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025 Round folding tables often work best for meals and socializing. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for socialize

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of socialize was in 1765

Cite this Entry

“Socialize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialize. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

socialize

verb
so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce socialize (audio)
socialized; socializing
1
: to make social
especially : to make fit for a social environment
2
: to take part in social activities
socializing with friends after work
socialization noun
socializer noun

Medical Definition

socialize

transitive verb
so·​cial·​ize
variants also British socialise
socialized also British socialised; socializing also British socialising
: to make social
especially : to fit or train for society or a social environment
children are socialized according to a given cultural pattern H. A. Murray & C. K. Kluckhohn

More from Merriam-Webster on socialize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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