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

Interested in more social science? —Emily Kwong, NPR, 17 Apr. 2026

Fellows are divided into creative arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. —Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

In a message to a Vatican academy for social science, Leo wrote that democracy remains healthy only when it is driven by morality and a vision of humanity that respects the dignity of everyone. —ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

For example, the NSF budget for social science research would be zeroed out; the NIH would lose both the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. —ArsTechnica, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social science

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

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