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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the 19th century, Victorian ideas of femininity dominated in the West, but there was a growing acceptance of physical activity among women, said Louise Mansfield, professor of sport, health and social sciences at Brunel University of London. Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2025 Interested applicants don’t always need to have business courses under their belt, either; schools are willing to take applicants with science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences backgrounds. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025 The guidelines call for accelerating scientific discovery, driving innovation in research and development, improving efficiency, and innovating social science research methods. Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 First-year undergraduate students in STEM majors spend an average of 17.1 hours a week preparing for class, compared with 15.6 hours a week on average among humanities, communications and social science majors, according to the 2024 National Survey of Student Engagement. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for social science

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

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Cite this Entry

“Social science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20science. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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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