-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
New College—a unique, individualized liberal arts college that operated independently of the university’s official humanities and social sciences departments—needed a philosopher, and someone had passed along Federici’s name.
—Hazlitt, 4 Sep. 2024
Details of his personal life Walz holds a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Chadron State College in Nebraska and a master’s of science degree in educational leadership from Minnesota State University Mankato.
—Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 6 Aug. 2024
The decision to approve the curriculum followed a presentation by the school system’s supervisor of social sciences, Erin Lange, who was joined by curriculum specialists, students and teachers of the course.
—Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2024
These youth groups grew out of necessity, said Eric Denby, a history and social sciences instructor at Phillips Academy in Massachusetts.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for social science
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'social science.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near social science
Cite this Entry
“Social science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20science. Accessed 13 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
social science
noun1
: 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
noun1
: 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social science
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share