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
Under Michigan law, children must be educated in mathematics, reading, English, science, and social studies.
—
Allison Torres Burtka and Hannah Dellinger, Detroit Free Press, 5 Apr. 2024
Khari Burton, Rockdale Academy, fifth grade English and social studies.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024
Cotton also has served in previous roles with MPS, including as regional director of schools, principal at Audubon Technical and Communications Center and as a language arts/social studies teacher at the same school.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024
There also are two years of science, including biological and physical sciences and three of social studies, as well as two years of physical education, one year of visual or performing arts, world language, or career technical education.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024
During her tenure, the city also adopted new social studies standards that include more representation for people of color and became the first jurisdiction in the country with universal menstrual health standards.
—Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024
To be considered, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, with no failing classes in the preceding three semesters in English, reading, math, science or social studies.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024
What began with a play about social justice at Alexandria City High School in northern Virginia turned into a partnership with social studies teacher Ra Alim Shabazz, who heads the Black Student Union.
—Shelby Hawkins, NPR, 29 Feb. 2024
Each intersession gives students a chance to catch up in English-language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science while participating in enrichment activities such as coding, fine arts, and physical education.
—Raymond Pierce, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Allison Torres Burtka and Hannah Dellinger, Detroit Free Press, 5 Apr. 2024
Khari Burton, Rockdale Academy, fifth grade English and social studies.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024
Cotton also has served in previous roles with MPS, including as regional director of schools, principal at Audubon Technical and Communications Center and as a language arts/social studies teacher at the same school.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024
There also are two years of science, including biological and physical sciences and three of social studies, as well as two years of physical education, one year of visual or performing arts, world language, or career technical education.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024
During her tenure, the city also adopted new social studies standards that include more representation for people of color and became the first jurisdiction in the country with universal menstrual health standards.
—Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024
To be considered, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0, with no failing classes in the preceding three semesters in English, reading, math, science or social studies.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2024
What began with a play about social justice at Alexandria City High School in northern Virginia turned into a partnership with social studies teacher Ra Alim Shabazz, who heads the Black Student Union.
—Shelby Hawkins, NPR, 29 Feb. 2024
Each intersession gives students a chance to catch up in English-language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science while participating in enrichment activities such as coding, fine arts, and physical education.
—Raymond Pierce, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'social studies.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 16 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
social studies
noun plural
: the studies dealing with human relationships and the way society works (as history, civics, economics, and geography)
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