social
so·cial / ˈsōshəl/ • adj. 1. of or relating to society or its organization: alcoholism is recognized as a major social problem a traditional Japanese social structure. ∎ of or relating to rank and status in society: a recent analysis of social class in Britain her mother is a lady of the highest social standing. ∎ needing companionship and therefore best suited to living in communities: we are social beings as well as individuals. ∎ relating to or designed for activities in which people meet each other for pleasure: Guy led a full social life.2. Zool. (of a bird) gregarious; breeding or nesting in colonies. ∎ (of an insect) living together in organized communities, typically with different castes, as ants, bees, wasps, and termites do. ∎ (of a mammal) living together in groups, typically in a hierarchical system with complex communication.• n. an informal social gathering, esp. one organized by the members of a particular club or group: a church social.DERIVATIVES: so·ci·al·i·ty / ˌsōshēˈalədē/ n.so·cial·ly / ˈsōshəlē/ adv. families who are socially disadvantaged.