society
noun
uk/səˈsaɪəti/ usplural societies [ U ]
people in general living together in an organized way, making decisions about how to do things, and sharing the work that needs to be done:
Society cannot expect perfection in products and services, but it can expect that corporations will always act responsibly.
These fraudsters are preying on the poorest and the most vulnerable people in society.
[ C or U ]
the people who live in a particular country or area and their way of life and customs:
The prime growth engine of capitalist societies is innovation.
We live in a multicultural society.
Will we ever achieve a cashless society?
Homeownership is a linchpin of American society.
[ C ] BANKING
used in the name of some UK banks to show that they are mutuals (= banks that are owned by the people who keep money in them), or that they were mutual in the past:
The building society responded to numerous inquiries about mortgages from first-time buyers.
These bonds are only offered by friendly societies.
The society says it has been passing on extra benefits to its members for some time.
[ C ]
an organization to which people who share similar interests can belong:
the American Society of Civil Engineers
the Industrial Society
See also
building society
classification society
consumer society
cooperative society
credit society
friendly society
stakeholder theory