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

Wade Syers, a doctor of social science and an extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University in East Lansing, agrees. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 17 July 2026

It was followed by a similar letter written by social sciences, humanities and professional faculty in support of reinstating standardized testing. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

And that led her to dive into neuroscience and social science to understand why. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 July 2026

An additional 1,600, including those in humanities, social sciences and arts, later joined to argue that verbal reasoning and writing skills were lacking too. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

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