Definition of: society

(sə·sī′ə·tē) noun plural ·ties
1. The system of community life, in which individuals, ordinarily in a territorial establishment, form a continuous and regulatory association for their mutual benefit and protection.
2. The body of persons composing such a community.
3. A number of persons in a community regarded as forming a class having certain common interests, status, etc.: high society.
4. The fashionable or cultured portion of a community, considered as constituting a class.
5. A body of persons associated for a common purpose or object; an association: a medical society.
6. U.S. In some States, an incorporated religious congregation.
7. A club or fraternity.
8. Association based on friendship or intimacy; companionship; company: to enjoy the society of working men.
9. Ecol. A group of plants or animals living together under the same physiographic conditions and influences and characterized by a principal species. See synonyms under ACQUAINTANCE, ALLIANCE, ASSOCIATION, CLASS. [<OF societe <L societas, -tatis <socius a friend]