socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized; socializing

transitive verb

1

: to make social

especially : to fit or train for a social environment

2

a

: to constitute on a socialistic basis

socialize industry

b

: to adapt to social needs or uses

3

: to organize group participation in

socialize a recitation

intransitive verb

: to participate actively in a social group

socializer

ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• associate
• fraternize
• go out
• hobnob
• mingle
• mix
• step out

Examples of socialize in a Sentence

She danced and socialized at the party.

he likes to socialize with his coworkers after work ends

Recent Examples on the Web

The bazaar, which drew a steady crowd to the temple’s indoor and outdoor spaces over five hours Sunday, brought together multiple strands of Japanese culture on a mild, overcast day that seemed custom made for hanging around and socializing. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2024

Students spend more time on phones and laptops and less time socializing, studying, and eating with their peers on campus; participation in clubs and sports has decreased. —Ali Martin, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2024

Take, for example, a perhaps surprising change: recently there has been a declining interest in sixteen-year-olds obtaining a driver’s license and using the car to display themselves and socialize with others. —Gary S. Cross, Fortune, 8 May 2024

All house plans had deep porches because this was before air conditioning, and front porches were for socializing as well as staying cool during North Texas summers. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

socialize

verb

so·​cial·​ize ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized; socializing

1

: to make social

especially : to make fit for a social environment

2

: to take part in social activities

socializing with friends after work

socialization

ˌsōsh-(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

socializer

ˈsō-shə-ˌlī-zər 

noun

Medical Definition

socialize

transitive verb

so·​cial·​ize

variants also British socialise

ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz 

socialized also British socialised; socializing also British socialising

: to make social

especially : to fit or train for society or a social environment

children are socialized according to a given cultural pattern

—H. A. Murray & C. K. Kluckhohn