social studies

American  

noun

1. a course of instruction in an elementary or secondary school comprising such subjects as history, geography, civics, etc.

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social studies British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of how people live and organize themselves in society, embracing geography, history, economics, and other subjects

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Etymology

Origin of social studies

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

“We’ve always highlighted civics, social studies, history, economics and very specifically about how countries operate,” says series creator and executive producer Aaron Augenblick.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Amanda Barnett, who co-founded the $21,500-a-year school three years ago, said the holdback program includes college visits and, in place of social studies, “an athletic personal development program” that covers NIL strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Adopted this year, the state’s new social studies standards provide even more specifics about what should be taught.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2025

Experts in Oklahoma education also questioned how much any changes in social studies standards would actually make a difference on the ground.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

He did okay until third period, when Mr. Lyons passed out a social studies pop quiz.

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein