social science

noun

1

: a branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society

2

: a science (such as economics or political science) dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society

social scientist noun

Examples of social science in a Sentence

Economics is a social science.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the course of the three-year program, Eléonore will design her own curriculum by selecting courses from the humanities, social sciences, and sciences in order to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Association of University Presses (AUPresses) members share a commitment to advancing knowledge and have long published scholarly works that contribute to understanding many complex subjects, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Wade Syers, a doctor of social science and an extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University in East Lansing, agrees. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 17 July 2026

It was followed by a similar letter written by social sciences, humanities and professional faculty in support of reinstating standardized testing. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social science

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

Kids Definition

social science

noun

1

: a branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society

2

: a science (as economics) dealing with a particular side of human society

Medical Definition

social science

noun

1

: a branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society

2

: a science (as anthropology or social psychology) dealing with a particular phase or aspect of human society