DictionaryAI

society

noun
suh-SY-uh-tee/səˈsaɪ.ə.ti/

Pluralsocieties (some meanings)

5 meanings of society

Practice

  1. 1
    people in generalnoununcountable
    All the people who live together in a country or community, seen as one big group.

    Like everyone in your town counted together as one large group.

    Crime hurts everyone in society, not just the victims.

    Society expects people to follow the law and treat others fairly.

    UsageUsually no the: life in society (not incorrect: in the society).

    Similarcommunity

  2. 2
    clubnouncountable
    A group of people who join together because they share an interest or want to work toward the same goal.

    Like a club where people who enjoy the same thing get together.

    He joined a gardening society to meet other plant lovers.

    Our school has a drama society that puts on plays every year.

    UsageYou join a society: a drama society, a gardening society.

    Note
  3. 3
    cultural groupnouncountable
    A large, long-lasting group of people who share a way of life, such as their customs, language, and art.

    Like a very big family that shares the same language, food, and traditions.

    Each society has its own language and customs.

    Many ancient societies left behind beautiful art and music.

    UsageHere you can say a society or societies: ancient societies.

    Similarculture, civilization

  4. 4
    upper classnoununcountable
    Rich and fashionable people, thought of together as a single social group.

    Like the small circle of rich, famous people everyone reads about.

    The young heiress was introduced to society at a grand ball.

    Her family was rich, but high society never fully accepted them.

    UsageOften high society. Say enter society, with no the.

    Similarelite

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    companynounformaluncountable
    Being with other people as a friend, or the company they give you.

    After weeks alone on the farm, she missed the society of her friends.

    The old man enjoyed the society of his grandchildren every Sunday.

    UsageSay the society of friends; in everyday talk, say company.

    Similarcompany, companionship

    Oppositesolitude, isolation

Practice

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Origin

It came from Latin "societas," meaning fellowship or association, from "socius," meaning companion or partner. English got it through French in the 1500s.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 5 facts