society
Americannoun
-
an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.
- Synonyms:
- company, brotherhood, fraternity, fellowship, association
-
a body of individuals living as members of a community; community.
-
the body of human beings generally, associated or viewed as members of a community.
the evolution of human society.
-
a highly structured system of human organization for large-scale community living that normally furnishes protection, continuity, security, and a national identity for its members.
American society.
-
such a system characterized by its dominant economic class or form.
middle-class society;
industrial society.
-
those with whom one has companionship.
-
companionship; company.
to enjoy the society of good friends.
- Synonyms:
- fellowship
-
the social life of wealthy, prominent, or fashionable persons.
-
the social class that comprises such persons.
-
the condition of those living in companionship with others, or in a community, rather than in isolation.
-
Biology. a closely integrated group of social organisms of the same species exhibiting division of labor.
-
Ecclesiastical. ecclesiastical society.
adjective
noun
-
the totality of social relationships among organized groups of human beings or animals
-
a system of human organizations generating distinctive cultural patterns and institutions and usually providing protection, security, continuity, and a national identity for its members
-
such a system with reference to its mode of social and economic organization or its dominant class
middle-class society
-
those with whom one has companionship
-
an organized group of people associated for some specific purpose or on account of some common interest
a learned society
-
-
the privileged class of people in a community, esp as considered superior or fashionable
-
( as modifier )
a society woman
-
-
the social life and intercourse of such people
to enter society as a debutante
-
companionship; the fact or state of being together with someone else
I enjoy her society
-
ecology a small community of plants within a larger association
Synonym Usage
See circle.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of society
First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French societe, from Latin societās, equivalent to soci(us) “partner, comrade” + -etās, variant of -itās -ity ( def. ) after a vowel
Explanation
The noun society refers to people living in social order. Unless you are a reclusive person, you are a part of society in some way or another. Society can also refer to fashionable elite, the "beau monde" or "smart set." An organization or club formed around a common interest is sometimes also called a society. To add to its mystique, this type of society might create special rules, greetings, or handshakes. Certain national societies that may have branches in your community include the Elks Lodge or the National Association of Professional Women.
Vocabulary lists containing society
Vocabulary to Describe Literary Devices
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Constitution"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Vocabulary from Act 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As princess, Bajrakitiyabha held an important ceremonial role in Thai society -- where the royal family sits at the apex.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
Jonathan Cheng is the China bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, overseeing coverage of the world's second-largest economy across politics, economics, business, technology and society.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
Platner said the online comments and his relations with Fifield came during a “very dark period” when he was struggling with his re-entry into civil society.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
She was one of tens of thousands of young girls and women sent away to have their babies, hidden from society due to the shame of their unmarried status.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
As he measured a line of society elites, he saw Vernet slipping out of the room.
From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
