1. an enduring social group living in a particular place whose members are mutually interdependent and share political and other institutions, laws and mores, and a common culture.

2. any well-established group of individuals (humans or other animals) that typically obtains new members at least in part through sexual reproduction and has relatively self-sufficient systems of action.

3. an organization formed for a particular purpose or to further a common interest or activity.

4. the companionship of other people.

5. popularly and loosely, an elite social level, typically comprising those of high socioeconomic status who possess money, power, and prestige and are considered in some way fashionable. —societal adj.