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

Not many pop songs are inspired by social science texts, but his are, reflecting his head-on engagement with topics like income inequality, climate change and the fragility of democracy. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025

The broader social sciences category is expected to drop by 3.6 percent in starting salaries, while math and science degrees are down nearly 2 percent from the previous year. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

Economic and social resilience New social science research methods allow ministry impact to be measured. —Jason Adkins, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2025

This is an exciting area for future research that combines the physical and social sciences, much like Bitcoin itself. —Korok Ray, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social science

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

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