economics

noun

eco·​nom·​ics ˌe-kə-ˈnä-miks  ˌē-kə- 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

a

: a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

b

: economic theory, principles, or practices

sound economics

2

: economic aspect or significance

the economics of building a new stadium

3

: economic conditions

current economics

Examples of economics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Currently, the fuel standard adds about 8 cents per gallon of gas, said Aaron Smith, an economics professor at UC Davis. —Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

The big picture: Michael Greenstone, an economics professor, will serve as the institution's founding faculty director. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

Carl Schramm, an economics professor at Syracuse University, notes that energy costs have been a significant factor in food price inflation since fuel is a major production cost for the agriculture sector. —Nik Popli, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024

At this point, the Nobel Prize in economics feels like it’s played out. —James Broughel, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier oeconomicks "science or art of managing a household" from oeconomick, economike in same sense (Middle English iconomique, borrowed from Middle French yconomique, borrowed from Medieval Latin economica, feminine singular or neuter plural of oeconomicus "relating to the management of a household") + -ics — more at economic

Note: Compare ancient Greek oikonomikḗ "practice of household, administrative or economic management," oikonomiká (neuter plural) "administrative affairs."

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing economics

• geo-economics
• home economics
• new economics
• supply-side economics

Kids Definition

economics

singular or plural noun

ec·​o·​nom·​ics

ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-iks,

ˌē-kə-

1

: a social science concerned with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

2

: financial considerations

the economics of buying a house

economist

i-ˈkän-ə-məst

noun