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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
She was eventually hired by Compton Unified in 1967 and began an 17-year career as a social studies teacher in a school system that, at the time, had become nearly all-Black as a result of white flight.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Editors’ Picks Best Classical Music Albums of 2024 Mr. Johnson, a former social studies teacher and union organizer, was elected mayor last year after receiving significant support from the teachers’ union.
—Mitch Smith, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2024
One program assesses the proficiency of students in math, social studies, science and English.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
At a distanced view, the practice of social studies may seem far from useful in the fight against misinformation.
—Brayden Pryor, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 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 4 Jan. 2025.
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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