political science

American  

noun

1. a social science dealing with political institutions and with the principles and conduct of government.

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political science British  

noun

1. (esp as an academic subject) the study of the state, government, and politics: one of the social sciences

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political science Cultural  

1. The systematic study of government and politics. Political science is a social science that makes generalizations and analyses about political systems and political behavior and uses these results to predict future behavior. Political science includes the study of political philosophy, ethics, international relations and foreign policy, public administration, and the dynamic relations between different parts of governments.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• political scientist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of political science

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

“They’ve probably become if not less optimistic, at least more nervous over the last 10 days or so,” said Mark Brewer, a political science professor at the University of Maine.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“He’s a legal scholar,” said David Dixon, a political science professor at Cal State Dominguez Hills and brother to a longtime Becerra aide.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Self-funded wealthy candidates have been a part of American politics for decades, said Robin Kolodny, a Temple University professor of political science with an expertise in campaign finance.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Although he has a degree in political science, Pratt is a political outsider who has never held public office.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

He was studying political science at St. John’s at night, working afternoons for a caterer and volunteering whenever he could for John Kwang.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• civics