society

American  

[suh-sahy-i-tee] / səˈsaɪ ɪ ti /

noun

societies plural

1. an organized group of persons associated together for religious, benevolent, cultural, scientific, political, patriotic, or other purposes.

   Synonyms:

   company, brotherhood, fraternity, fellowship, association

2. a body of individuals living as members of a community; community.

3. the body of human beings generally, associated or viewed as members of a community.

   the evolution of human society.

4. 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.

5. such a system characterized by its dominant economic class or form.

   middle-class society;

   industrial society.

6. those with whom one has companionship.

7. companionship; company.

   to enjoy the society of good friends.

   Synonyms:

   fellowship

8. the social life of wealthy, prominent, or fashionable persons.

9. the social class that comprises such persons.

10. the condition of those living in companionship with others, or in a community, rather than in isolation.

11. Biology. a closely integrated group of social organisms of the same species exhibiting division of labor.

12. Ecclesiastical. ecclesiastical society.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of elegant society.

   a society photographer.

society British  

/ səˈsaɪətɪ /

noun

1. the totality of social relationships among organized groups of human beings or animals

2. a system of human organizations generating distinctive cultural patterns and institutions and usually providing protection, security, continuity, and a national identity for its members

3. such a system with reference to its mode of social and economic organization or its dominant class

   middle-class society

4. those with whom one has companionship

5. an organized group of people associated for some specific purpose or on account of some common interest

   a learned society

6. 1. the privileged class of people in a community, esp as considered superior or fashionable

   2. ( as modifier )

      a society woman

7. the social life and intercourse of such people

   to enter society as a debutante

8. companionship; the fact or state of being together with someone else

   I enjoy her society

9. ecology a small community of plants within a larger association

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society Idioms  

1. see under mutual admiration society.

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Synonym Usage

See circle.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonsociety
  noun
• subsociety
  noun
• undersociety
  noun
• intersociety
  adjective
• societyless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• societies
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

society societies

The scandal has prompted calls for an independent inquiry from civil society groups, opposition politicians and senior lawyers.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026

“There’s no way to understand Israeli society without understanding the depth of the trauma caused by Oct. 7,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

But an ageing population poses challenges for society and the EU economy, and while migration could help, it's not the fix Europe might hope for.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

Roughly 40% of U.S. adults say AI will have a negative effect on society over the next 20 years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

“If you had seen Yakov, you would understand. I’ve volunteered at the burial society for nearly a year now, and I’ve prepared more people than I can count. This was different.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

"We are living longer, healthier lives than ever before –- one of our greatest achievements. But demographic change is reshaping our societies, our economies and our labour markets," Suica said in a statement.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

Women come from other groups, but in worlds where female mobility is a common pattern, from the great apes to human societies, interpreting this signal immediately becomes more subtle.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 7, 2026

"From this far-flung corner of Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, one can more clearly perceive the momentous challenge that the phenomenon of migration poses to European societies," the Pope told Catholics on the island.

From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026

Local historical societies scheduled town square readings of the Declaration of Independence, hired bands to play patriotic tunes, organized parades and set up themed baking contests.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2026

But it turns out that the actual reasons behind the more rapid development of Eurasian societies were not at all the straightforward ones that our imaginary archaeologist of 11,000 B.C. guessed.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• association
• civilization
• community
• company
• culture
• humanity
• nation
• population
• public
• world