The paper deals with sociological treatment of “meaning of life” notion from theoretical positions of “sociology of life” concept. A history of its emergence in sociology, in public space and everyday reality is offered. Definitions of “meaning of life” are analysed as they are reflected in philosophical and psychological writing, as well as treatment of this notion in sociology. Methodological and methodical approaches to interpretation and opreationalization of the “meaning of life” are discussed. Basing on an analysis of theoretical search and empirical studies results, essence, contents and structure of meaning of life are defined and its feasible classification is suggested. The paper concludes with methodological aspects of identifying meanings of life of Russians today basing on the findings of a recent all-Russian sociological survey.