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.
Children at risk Consanguinity rates within the British Pakistani community are between 40 and 60%, said Patrick Nash, an expert on religious law and director of the Pharos Foundation social science research group. Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 4 Dec. 2024 In this episode, HBR editor in chief Adi Ignatius speaks to Gladwell about how the author’s ideas have changed, the importance of social science and journalism in today’s world of virality, and the unexpected ways leaders should consider human behavior. Harvard Business Review, 10 Oct. 2024 The nature of the local communities where voters reside also plays a role, as suggested by results from the American Communities Project, a social science/journalism effort by the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Basically, those are college prep courses in history/social science, English, math, a foreign language, a laboratory science, visual and performing arts, and a college preparatory elective. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near social science

Cite this Entry

“Social science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20science. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

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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