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

• political scientist noun

Etymology

Origin of political science

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Mr. Gilley is a professor of political science at Portland State University, a presidential scholar at the New College of Florida, and author of “The Case for Colonialism.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

The fatal confrontation reportedly began with disturbances outside a conference at Sciences Po, the highly-regarded French political science institute.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

"Short disruptions create price volatility. Sustained damage creates lasting economic shock," Robert Pape, a political science and military expert at the University of Chicago, wrote on his Substack.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

Today, voters aren’t as interested in identity-based politics, said Fernando Guerra, a professor of political science at Loyola Marymount University who has known Villaraigosa for decades.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

During her senior year at Swarthmore College, she took a course in political science, which sparked her interest in political activism.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• civics