behavioral science

1 of 2

noun (1)

: a branch of science (such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology) that deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior in society

behavioral scientist noun

behavioral scientist

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a specialist in behavioral science

Examples of behavioral science in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Clay regularly advises organizations on using existential psychology and behavioral science to improve their products, services, and workplace culture. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026

So here the subject really has shifted from a kind of behavioral science to really hardcore molecular and genetic science. — Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

First, try to understand the whole human using behavioral science principles that close the say-do gap. — Tim Wragg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Jackson was an Indiana kid who moved to San Diego after college around 2001, armed with a degree in social and behavioral sciences (and a minor in anthropology). — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1937, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1940, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for behavioral science

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

Medical Definition

behavioral science

noun

: a science (as psychology, sociology, or anthropology) that deals with human action and seeks to generalize about human behavior in society

behavioral scientist noun