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
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.
Two years later, a social science experiment revealed that students who visit art exhibits demonstrate higher critical thinking, empathy, and social tolerance skills than those who don’t. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 Marika Manos, manager of history and social science for the county education department, said Santa Ana and Anaheim Union were early adopters of ethnic studies requirements. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 Discovery fueled by curiosity has been a driving force for technological, medical and social science research and advances. Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 But that didn’t mean giving up his interest in social science. Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for social science

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of social science was in 1746

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Cite this Entry

“Social science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20science. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on social science

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