social studies

plural noun

: a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology

Examples of social studies in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Scores on the state’s social studies and science exams were up by between three and four percentage points. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025 The district-level and campus-level data shows education leaders, community members and parents how well students performed in reading, math, science and social studies at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2025 She was chosen for the post after being nominated by social studies teacher Mr. Tazic. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 Education requirements in public schools Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Connecticut public schools will be required to add two units to their social studies curriculum: Asian American and Pacific Islander history and civics and media literacy. Gabby Debenedictis, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for social studies

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social studies was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Social studies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20studies. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

social studies

plural noun
: the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)
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