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
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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 See all Example Sentences for social studies 

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social studies was in 1853

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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