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
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.
Ryan McCaffery, a former social studies teacher at Riverhead High School, was arrested May 12 by New York State Police following a months-long investigation. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025 Black history standards The Colorado Department of Education, with the signing of House Bill 1149, will develop a standard K-12 social studies curriculum that includes Black history and cultural studies. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 June 2025 His father, Phil, is a social studies teacher at Portage High School and the head boys golf coach. Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025 Fortunately, that is what social studies classes are for. Lightning Jay, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Social studies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20studies. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

social studies

plural noun
: the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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