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

On the other hand, there are research areas where NOAA could still invest more, particularly in social science. —Umair Irfan, Vox, 21 Feb. 2025

For example, the group called for sustaining support for social sciences, which the government cut recently, and research led by New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori people. —Byveronika Meduna, science.org, 28 Jan. 2025

The London School of Economics and Political Science is one of the foremost social science universities in the world. —London School Of Economics, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

The directorate uses social science approaches to help focus scientific research and technology on their potential uses and effects on society. —Arthur Daemmrich, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social science

• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance
• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience

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