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

In a different world, had a few breaks not fallen, a few opportunities not opened, Craig Aukerman is a third grade social studies teacher gearing up for another year in the classroom. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 27 July 2026

Brownlee Paige retired from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools after serving the district as a social studies teacher for 30 years. — Sofi Zeman july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026

Students must complete five subjects — reading, writing, math, science and social studies — and they are provided breakfast and lunch, plus a MetroCard to commute. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

The board postponed most high school social studies changes to a later meeting. — Rachel Royster. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social studies

• buddies

Kids Definition

social studies

plural noun

: the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)