home economics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a subject or class that teaches skills (such as cooking or sewing) which are useful in the home

Classes in the family and consumer sciences—no one calls it home economics anymore—have changed too, stressing the entrepreneurial over the domestic …

—Bonnie Miller Rubin

If you passed seventh-grade home economics, you can probably sew a few basic nursery accessories.

—Deeanne Gist

called also home ec

home economist noun

Examples of home economics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the rise of Black education through HBCUs, vocational schools, and trade programs, Black women began to leverage their expertise in home economics into entrepreneurial ventures. —Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

Beverly had a long and varied career in home economics, interior design and gardening. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

High schools used to conduct classes in home economics that involved ways to track spending and maintain a balanced personal budget. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

This iconic indented design is likely the product of early 20th century cookbooks which doubled as home economics and agricultural guides. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

home economics

noun

: the study of the care and management of a household

home economist noun