Thermodynamic and spectroscopic properties of alpha-cyclodextrin and beta-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution sulfathiazole have been investigated by volumetric, ultrasonic measurements at T = (288.15-308.15 K) along with absorption spectra and fluorescence studies. The apparent molar volumes at infinite dilution, V-phi(0) and the apparent molar isentropic compression at infinite dilution K-phi,S(0), have been calculated from density and speed of sound data. Furthermore, partial molar volumes of transfer, Delta V-tr(phi)0, partial molar isentropic compression of transfer, Delta K-tr(phi,S)0, apparent molar expansivity, E-phi(0), Hepler's constant values, (partial derivative E-phi(0)/partial derivative T)(P) and thermal expansion coefficient, alpha have also been evaluated to support the conclusions obtained from the volumetric and acoustic studies. These parameters are helpful to study the solvation behavior and various interactions present in the ternary solutions of (alpha-cyclodextrin/beta-cyclodextrin + sulfathiazole + water). Further, absorption and emission spectra has been recorded for aqueous sulfathiazole solution in alpha-cyclodextrin to analyze the host-guest interactions. The inclusion complex of sulfathiazole with alpha-cyclodextrin is investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorescence. The study indicates that sulpha drug forms 1: 1 inclusion complexes with a-cyclodextrin. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd.