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.
Low teacher morale directly affects students, said Alex Robins, a social science teacher at Terra Linda High School in San Rafael. Diana Lambert, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026 The bill, called the National Weather Safety Board Act, calls for an independent board of at least seven members appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with backgrounds in meteorology, social sciences and emergency management, among other disciplines. Evan Bush, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026 Micalizzi is a maternal-child health researcher and assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at Brown University School of Public Health. Lauren Micalizzi, STAT, 2 Mar. 2026 The repression has also shrunk the space on campuses for any kind of political debate and organizing, said a social sciences student at Tehran university. ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026 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 12 Mar. 2026.

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

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