political science

noun

: a social science concerned chiefly with the description and analysis of political and especially governmental institutions and processes
political scientist noun

Examples of political science in a Sentence

a degree in political 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.
The study looks sound, said Robert Paarlberg, a professor emeritus of political science focused on food policy at Wellesley University, via email. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 24 Aug. 2026 The short answer is yes, said Jeffrey Lyons, a political science professor at Boise State University. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 24 Aug. 2026 In an interview with CBS News Texas, Texas Woman's University political science professor Parker Hevron spoke about the candidates' messaging. — Jack Fink, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 Haden was raised in San Diego and graduated from University City High before obtaining his bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for political science

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of political science was in 1606

Rhymes for political science

See All Rhymes for political science

Browse Nearby Words

political rights
political science
political scientist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Political science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/political%20science. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

political science

noun
: the study of government and politics
political scientist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on political science

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about political science

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All