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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
It's geared toward middle grade readers ages 8-13, and also makes great research material for school book reports and history or social studies projects.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
The former social studies teacher has found that emphasizing the upcoming election – and preparing eligible students to vote – has helped.
—Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2024
Kevin Johnson, a social studies teacher for Edgewood City Schools, was identified by Superintendent Kelly Spivey as the 60-year-old involved in the crash.
—Jennifer Edwards Baker, The Enquirer, 17 Oct. 2024
Recently, a Massachusetts high school was sued by parents after disciplining a student for using AI to generate notes and an outline for a social studies paper.
—Gerui Wang, Forbes, 17 Oct. 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 28 Nov. 2024.
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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