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

Time Traveler
The first known use of social science was in 1746

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on social science

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