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social studies
plural noun
: a part of a school or college curriculum concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society and usually made up of courses in history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography, and anthropology
Examples of social studies in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Enrollment seal changes The enrollment seal, which is geared more toward students wanting to go to college after high school, requires students to earn specific amounts of credits toward world language, social studies, math and science.
—Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Dec. 2024
The board rejected a social studies curriculum for mentioning gay historical figure Harvey Milk in May 2023, which drew criticism from California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
—Nadra Nittle, Them, 10 Dec. 2024
Art integration is when a curriculum is taught through arts and can apply to any subject, such as social studies or math and sciences, Marsh said.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 1 Dec. 2024
On a recent fall afternoon, Indira Pandiarajan, the school principal and a social studies teacher, smiles at the excited faces of the 50 children, ages 6-11, sitting cross legged in a circle around her.
—Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 24 Nov. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1853, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near social studies
Cite this Entry
“Social studies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20studies. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
social studies
plural noun
: the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)
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