economics

noun

eco·​nom·​ics ˌe-kə-ˈnä-miks  ˌē-kə- 

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

Listen 5 min Share Comment Save Brian Riedl is an economics writer and for six years was chief economist for then-Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). —Brian Riedl, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

My business degrees including master’s degrees in economics and data analytics, have not only equipped me with a unique understanding of scientific, mathematical, and economic reasoning in judicial decision making as well as the economic impact of certain legal decisions. —Woody Clermont, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024

James Simons previously taught at Stony Brook and chaired its mathematics department and Marilyn Simons earned her bachelor’s degree and an economics Ph.D. there. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2024

His father, a bank manager, imparted a foundational understanding of financial principles, which Mr. Apaza further developed during his college years through economics coursework. —Nick Kasmik, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing economics

• geo-economics
• home economics
• new economics
• supply-side economics

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