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

Derived Forms

• home economist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of home economics

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Ellen Swallow Richards is known as the founder of home economics, which to her meant bringing scientific principles to domestic life, lessening household labor and improving public health.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

For much of the 1900s, family and consumer sciences, more broadly known as home economics, were a staple of educational curricula in most American communities.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2026

His father was an art teacher, and his mother taught home economics, Ms. Kijner said.

From New York Times • Jan. 13, 2024

"But the main issue I have is that they have no facilities - no music, no home economics, they have to go to the local park for their PE sessions."

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2023

“Very nice,” he said after he unwrapped the heavy gray socks she’d knitted in home economics.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez