To socialize means to spend time with other people in a friendly way, talking, playing, or doing activities together. When you socialize at recess, you might chat with friends, join a game of tag, or share jokes instead of sitting alone. When adults socialize at a party, they mingle and have conversations.

The word involves active interaction: asking questions, sharing stories, listening to others, and building connections. A shy student might find it hard to socialize at first in a new school, while an outgoing one might socialize easily with everyone they meet.

People also use socialize to describe how young children and animals learn to behave around others. When you socialize a puppy, you expose it to different people, places, and situations so it learns to be comfortable and well-behaved. Similarly, children socialize by learning manners, taking turns, and understanding how to treat others.

Some people are natural socializers who gain energy from being around others. Others prefer smaller groups or need quiet time to recharge after socializing, and that's normal too.