socialize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make social; make fit for life in companionship with others.
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to make socialistic; establish or regulate according to the theories of socialism.
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Education. to treat as a group activity.
to socialize spelling quizzes.
verb (used without object)
verb
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(intr) to behave in a friendly or sociable manner
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(tr) to prepare for life in society
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(tr) to alter or create so as to be in accordance with socialist principles, as by nationalization
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of socialize
Explanation
When you socialize, you participate in activities in a group setting. If you have been studying alone for some time, you might take a break at the coffee shop to socialize with some friends. You can socialize somebody else, or educate her in social patterns. Parents socialize their kids through their upbringing, and clubs often socialize their members through a uniform. If you want to hang out with motorcyclists, you might want to dress in leather. It is also possible to socialize institutions, where benefits are open to a wide section of society. If voters socialize medicine, that service becomes available to all at government expense.
Vocabulary lists containing socialize
"Curtis Aikens and the American Dream" and "Go For It!"
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"La Vida Robot" and "Reading, Writing and... Recreation"
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 5–February 11, 2022
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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.
The cuts hit Meta’s Reality Labs division, where employees work on the metaverse, digital spaces where people socialize, work and learn.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
Consumers have cut back spending—thanks to higher prices, and a shift toward healthier habits and alternative ways to relax and socialize.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
The shelter system has come under fire for failing to exercise and socialize dogs properly even without the complication of illness.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
Most people don’t socialize outside their socioeconomic class, says Emily Bianchi, a professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 29, 2026
Humans socialize in the largest groups of all primates because we are the only animals with brains large enough to handle the complexities of that social arrangement.
From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
