socialize

verb
so·​cial·​ize | \ ˈsō-shə-ˌlīz How to pronounce socialize (audio) \
socialized; socializing

Definition of socialize

transitive verb

1 : to make social especially : to fit or train for a social environment
2a : 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

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Other Words from socialize

socializer \ ˈsō-​shə-​ˌlī-​zər How to pronounce socializer (audio) \ noun

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

Another bonus was the opportunity to socialize, which is crucial. Houston Chronicle, "Why are more people choosing retirement communities today?," 16 Aug. 2019 Kanojia notes that video games are where children today go to socialize outside of schools. Lisa Marie Segarra, Fortune, "Video Game Addiction: These Are the Warning Signs to Look Out For," 11 July 2019 Hosted by the Orioles, the Baltimore Sun Media Group and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the event will give fans the chance to socialize with Means, Fry and the Oriole Bird over hors d’oeuvres and an all-inclusive bar. Giana Han, baltimoresun.com, "Have a beer with Orioles All-Star pitcher John Means at second ‘Brews and O’s’," 10 July 2019 Delicious food and the opportunity to socialize and network within the agency are appreciated by team members. Leigh Farr, azcentral, "Small Company Rankings," 13 June 2019 Seeing chimps that had spent their entire lives in medical laboratories have the opportunity to socialize with other chimps, utilize large habitats, climb trees and express normal chimp behaviors, touched my heart. Rick Kogan, chicagotribune.com, "Lincoln Park Zoo partners with Chimp Haven — a place where chimps can get out of their lab cages and live free," 21 June 2018 Seeing my dad model that love despite not being socialized in a particularly aware cultural environment, his instinct was to accept and to love. Nick Williams, Billboard, "Julien Baker Shares Summer of Pride Playlist & Talks Sobriety, 'Heinous' Conversion Therapy & Nuances of Identity," 3 July 2019 His lawyer successfully argued that the danger of any threat had passed and said Wells should be housed with others and allowed to socialize in preparation for leaving prison. Laura Mccrystal, Philly.com, "Gov. Murphy condemns Trenton arts festival shooting and vows to bring those responsible for 'the lawlessness' to justice," 18 June 2018 Blocked off from the world and largely unable to work or socialize, many Kashmiris were somber ahead of Monday's festival. NBC News, "India cracks down on Kashmir ahead of Muslim Eid festival," 11 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'socialize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of socialize

1765, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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More Definitions for socialize

socialize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of socialize

: to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way
formal : to teach (someone) to behave in a way that is acceptable in society

socialize

transitive verb
so·​cial·​ize
variants: also British socialise \ ˈsō-​shə-​ˌlīz How to pronounce socialise (audio) \
socialized also British socialised; socializing also British socialising

Medical Definition of socialize

: 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