First Known Use: 1843
Dictionary
sociology
noun so·ci·ol·o·gy \ˌsō-sē-ˈä-lə-jē, ˌsō-shē-\
: the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships
Full Definition of SOCIOLOGY
1
2
: the scientific analysis of a social institution as a functioning whole and as it relates to the rest of society
See sociology defined for English-language learners
See sociology defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SOCIOLOGY
French sociologie, from socio- + -logie -logy
Other Sociology Terms
Rhymes with SOCIOLOGY
anthropology, archaeology, cardiology, climatology, cosmetology, criminology, dermatology, Egyptology, entomology, eschatology, etiology, etymology, futurology, genealogy, gerontology, glaciology, gynecology, hematology, herpetology, ideology, immunology, kremlinology, laryngology, lexicology, Mariology, martyrology, methodology, mineralogy, musicology, numerology, oceanology, ophthalmology, ornithology, pharmacology, phraseology, physiology, primatology, radiology, reflexology, rheumatology, semiology, terminology, thanatology, toxicology, urbanology, volcanology, vulcanology
Medical Dictionary
sociology
noun so·ci·ol·o·gy \ˌsō-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌsō-shē-\
plural so·ci·ol·o·gies
Medical Definition of SOCIOLOGY
: 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
Learn More About SOCIOLOGY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: sociometristPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sociologizeAll Words Near: sociology
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sociology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).