socialization
noun
so·cial·i·za·tion
ˌsō-sh(ə-)lə-ˈzā-shən 
1
a
: the process beginning during childhood by which individuals acquire the values, habits, and attitudes of a society
But certainly dealing with shame and its boundaries is soon a constant factor in the socialization of the child, because standards and rules are everywhere …—
Robert Karen
Robert KarenThe most important feature of culture is that it can be transmitted, and thus the young can acquire adaptive repertoires through the learning process or, in sociological terms, the socialization process.—David Mechanic
David Mechanic
b
: social interaction with others
She also made spelling an exercise in socialization, by putting together children who did not seem predisposed to like each other.—Tracy Kidder
Tracy KidderWith its idiosyncratic rhythms, rules and relationships, the coffee bar, these new workers say, has replaced the local bar as a place of socialization.—Kirk Johnson
Kirk Johnson
c
: exposure of a young domestic animal (such as a kitten or puppy) to a variety of people, animals, and situations to minimize fear and aggression and promote friendliness
Some adult dogs, because of a lack of socialization combined with genetic tendencies, can never transfer certain individuals from the "unfamiliar" to the "familiar" category.—Dog Watch
Dog Watch2
: the action or process of making something (such as an industry) socialistic : conversion to collective or governmental ownership and control
the socialization of medicine
In the case of Vietnam the exodus was also related to … the government's decision of March 1978 to close down privately run businesses. This was a move to accelerate the socialization of the economy …—T. E. Vedney
T. E. VedneyExamples of socialization in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The importance of connection and socialization is evident every day in Florida’s assisted living communities, a communal long-term care setting designed to provide seniors with a sense of dignity, independence and belonging.
—Gail Matillo, Sun Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
Meaning: That unwanted little boy, who spends his formative years living in the woods, deserved a proper education and doctor’s visits, and regular socialization with his peers.
—Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
His research focuses on organizational justice, leadership, and organizational entry (employee recruitment, selection, and socialization).
—Harvard Business Review, 12 Feb. 2025
Regular exercise and appropriate socialization can also help prevent stubborn behaviors.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for socialization
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Gail Matillo, Sun Sentinel, 13 Apr. 2025
Meaning: That unwanted little boy, who spends his formative years living in the woods, deserved a proper education and doctor’s visits, and regular socialization with his peers.
—Joumana Khatib, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
His research focuses on organizational justice, leadership, and organizational entry (employee recruitment, selection, and socialization).
—Harvard Business Review, 12 Feb. 2025
Regular exercise and appropriate socialization can also help prevent stubborn behaviors.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for socialization
Cite this Entry
“Socialization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/socialization. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
socialization
noun
so·cial·iza·tion
variants
also British
: the process by which a human being beginning at infancy acquires the habits, beliefs, and accumulated knowledge of society through education and training for adult status
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share