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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
In prison, Lozano received her associate’s degree in behavioral and social sciences, and co-founded an organization for juvenile offenders, along with another group that brings victims, law enforcement officers and prisoners together for discussions.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Hiring outside typical marketing degrees can be an intelligent move—professionals with social sciences and data analysis backgrounds bring valuable insights to modern marketing.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Boston University will not be accepting applications for PhD students in the humanities and social sciences for the 2025–26 academic year, the institution wrote in an undated post on its website.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
His teaching background is also a large part of his identity
After graduating from Chadron State College in Nebraska in 1989 with an undergraduate degree in social science, Walz spent a year teaching in China.
—Jeremy Yurow, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1
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 30 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
social science
noun1
: 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
noun1
: 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social science
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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