sociology
noun
so·ci·ol·o·gy
ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jē 
ˌsō-shē-
ˌsō-shē-
1
2
: the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society
3
Examples of sociology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some regard sociology as a gut major that caters to lackadaisical students.
—
Wendy Nelson Espeland, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
There are different interpretations of Valentine's Day, according to Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle and the author of 25 books on love, sexuality and commitment.
—George Petras, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Historically, there weren’t many expectations for children entering kindergarten, although some students — typically from wealthier families — would come in with more advanced skills than others, said Robert Crosnoe, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Historically, there weren’t many expectations for children entering kindergarten, although some students — typically from higher-income families — arrived in classrooms with more advanced skills than others, said Robert Crosnoe, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sociology
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Wendy Nelson Espeland, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
There are different interpretations of Valentine's Day, according to Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle and the author of 25 books on love, sexuality and commitment.
—George Petras, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Historically, there weren’t many expectations for children entering kindergarten, although some students — typically from wealthier families — would come in with more advanced skills than others, said Robert Crosnoe, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Historically, there weren’t many expectations for children entering kindergarten, although some students — typically from higher-income families — arrived in classrooms with more advanced skills than others, said Robert Crosnoe, a sociology professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sociology
Cite this Entry
“Sociology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sociology. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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-
ˌsō-shē-
plural sociologies
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