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

The state administered social studies tests for the first time this year. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Atlanta Public Schools improved on this year’s math, social studies and science exams at a rate that outpaced the state’s improvement benchmarks. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

In math, 36% of students met grade level, 32% in science and 24% in social studies. — Samuel O’Neal 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 2026

Instruction will be rooted in the science of reading and incorporated throughout the school day, including during writing, science and social studies. — Jamal Goss, CBS News, 4 Aug. 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)