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
Both Ionescu and Grasu majored in general social sciences.
—
Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 29 Oct. 2023
The awards are part of 960 scholarships totaling $1.6 million given to Fulbright College students in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences disciplines, according to a news release.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2023
Gunvor Christensen, until recently a chief research analyst at Denmark’s national center for social science research, said that no scientific evidence had emerged that neighborhoods were negatively affecting their residents’ opportunities in Denmark.
—Emma Bubola, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023
This push will imperil students’ access to a comprehensive college education, especially in the liberal arts and social sciences where the right’s attacks are targeted.
—TIME, 23 Oct. 2023
Movingly plain-spoken, the book wove reams of law, philosophy, social science and theology into Sister Helen’s account of her experience ministering to two men on death row in Louisiana, building a calmly merciless case against the death penalty.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023
However, the historical events that Hahn mentioned are taught in grades two through five and grade eight, according to Erin Lang, supervisor of social sciences for the school system.
—Katia Parks, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2023
Wrighton credited research in medicine, public health, engineering, social science and other fields for helping GWU to reach its goal.
—Nick Anderson, Washington Post, 1 June 2023
In the end, Kelly of Harvard said, the dream is to have similar courses that integrate calculus concepts in life sciences, economics, social sciences, physical sciences and engineering taught at colleges and high schools.
—Daniel Mollenkamp, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 29 Oct. 2023
The awards are part of 960 scholarships totaling $1.6 million given to Fulbright College students in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences disciplines, according to a news release.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2023
Gunvor Christensen, until recently a chief research analyst at Denmark’s national center for social science research, said that no scientific evidence had emerged that neighborhoods were negatively affecting their residents’ opportunities in Denmark.
—Emma Bubola, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023
This push will imperil students’ access to a comprehensive college education, especially in the liberal arts and social sciences where the right’s attacks are targeted.
—TIME, 23 Oct. 2023
Movingly plain-spoken, the book wove reams of law, philosophy, social science and theology into Sister Helen’s account of her experience ministering to two men on death row in Louisiana, building a calmly merciless case against the death penalty.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023
However, the historical events that Hahn mentioned are taught in grades two through five and grade eight, according to Erin Lang, supervisor of social sciences for the school system.
—Katia Parks, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2023
Wrighton credited research in medicine, public health, engineering, social science and other fields for helping GWU to reach its goal.
—Nick Anderson, Washington Post, 1 June 2023
In the end, Kelly of Harvard said, the dream is to have similar courses that integrate calculus concepts in life sciences, economics, social sciences, physical sciences and engineering taught at colleges and high schools.
—Daniel Mollenkamp, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
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 30 Nov. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
social science
noun1
: a science that deals with human society or its elements (as family, state, or race) and with institutions and relationships in an organized community
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