home economics

American  

noun

1. the art and science of home management.

2. a college curriculum usually including studies in nutrition, the purchase, preparation, and service of food, interior design, clothing and textiles, child development, family relationships, and household economics.

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home economics British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular or plural) the study of diet, budgeting, child care, textiles, and other subjects concerned with running a home

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Other Word Forms

• home economist noun

Etymology

Origin of home economics

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

He was soon baking for the Five Towns Woman’s Exchange and by 16 had hired his first employee, a classmate from home economics.

From New York Times

To aid in the effort of becoming a Proverbs 31 woman, the seminary I attended offered women's ministry workshops that were essentially home economics classes taught by the male faculty member's wives.

From Salon

This could start with students, perhaps through reinvesting in family and consumer science courses – the modern, expanded realm of old-school home economics classes.

From Salon

The task force members embraced a suggestion that brands sponsor home economics classes and be more transparent with consumers about how things are made.

From New York Times

She joined the government’s Bureau of Science and was soon leading its home economics and food preservation divisions.

From New York Times