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

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

This involves a mix of meteorology and climate science, along with social science research into how people respond to warning language and official advice. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025

By 2014, in Williams’ telling, the kind of intense antisemitism that was thought to belong to the past was rearing its head once again and, eventually, accelerating so much that the ADL needed to revisit its old strategy around social science research. —Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

Where is leading social science being conducted in the U.S.? —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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