social studies

plural noun

: a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology

Examples of social studies 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.
According to the Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network, under Walters' watch, the state's Department of Education developed new social studies academic standards that included multiple mentions of Christianity along with discredited theories about the 2020 presidential election. Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 In the minds of students, these are the authentic subjects of the 21st century—not math or social studies. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 Lindberg remained a friendly presence in the heavy-music world and taught social studies in a Gothenberg middle school during respites from touring. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Sep. 2025 Donnell is currently enrolled in the fourth year of his high school’s Teaching as a Profession pathway and working towards completing his practicum hours at Christiana Middle School in pursuit of his goal to become a middle school social studies teacher. Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for social studies

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social studies was in 1853

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Cite this Entry

“Social studies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20studies. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

social studies

plural noun
: the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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