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.
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 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 25 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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