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.
Many humanities and social science majors — pursued by students with a passion for sociology, history, art, music and English — tend to earn far less, around $40,000 to $60,000, the data show. — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Harvey Mudd only offers STEM majors, though the magazine noted the school’s liberal arts background encouraged engagement in humanities, social sciences and the arts. — Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Over the course of the three-year program, Eléonore will design her own curriculum by selecting courses from the humanities, social sciences, and sciences in order to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 Association of University Presses (AUPresses) members share a commitment to advancing knowledge and have long published scholarly works that contribute to understanding many complex subjects, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 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

Rhymes for social science

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Browse Nearby Words

social registerite
social science
social secretary
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Cite this Entry

“Social science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20science. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social science

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