economics

noun

eco·​nom·​ics ˌe-kə-ˈnä-miks How to pronounce economics (audio) ˌē-kə- How to pronounce economics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
a
: a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
b
: economic theory, principles, or practices
sound economics
2
: economic aspect or significance
the economics of building a new stadium
3
: economic conditions
current economics

Examples of economics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Currently, the fuel standard adds about 8 cents per gallon of gas, said Aaron Smith, an economics professor at UC Davis. Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 The big picture: Michael Greenstone, an economics professor, will serve as the institution's founding faculty director. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 Carl Schramm, an economics professor at Syracuse University, notes that energy costs have been a significant factor in food price inflation since fuel is a major production cost for the agriculture sector. Nik Popli, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 At this point, the Nobel Prize in economics feels like it’s played out. James Broughel, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for economics 

Word History

Etymology

earlier oeconomicks "science or art of managing a household" from oeconomick, economike in same sense (Middle English iconomique, borrowed from Middle French yconomique, borrowed from Medieval Latin economica, feminine singular or neuter plural of oeconomicus "relating to the management of a household") + -ics — more at economic

Note: Compare ancient Greek oikonomikḗ "practice of household, administrative or economic management," oikonomiká (neuter plural) "administrative affairs."

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of economics was in 1792

Dictionary Entries Near economics

Cite this Entry

“Economics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economics. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

economics

singular or plural noun
ec·​o·​nom·​ics
ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-iks,
ˌē-kə-
1
: a social science concerned with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
2
: financial considerations
the economics of buying a house
economist
i-ˈkän-ə-məst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on economics

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