home economics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a subject or class that teaches skills (such as cooking or sewing) which are useful in the home

called also home ec

home economist noun

Examples of home 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.
In 1833, abolitionist and home economics writer Lydia Maria Child actually suggested using your own earwax as lip balm. Mark Hay, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for home economics

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of home economics was in 1872

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Cite this Entry

“Home economics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/home%20economics. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

home economics

noun
: the study of the care and management of a household
home economist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on home economics

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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