Showing results for social-emotional learning. Search instead for Social and Emotional Learning.

social-emotional learning

American

[soh-shuhl-i-moh-shuh-nl lur-ning] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl ɪˈmoʊ ʃə nl ˈlɜr nɪŋ /

noun

Education, Psychology.

the process of acquiring interpersonal and emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, conflict resolution, self-awareness, and self-control. SEL

Etymology

Origin of social-emotional learning

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But while it may have a new term, social-emotional learning has always been a vital function of education.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

They also teach lessons in career guidance or social-emotional learning, provide one-on-one counseling for students, and connect parents to resources like food banks, grief counselors and legal assistance.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 23, 2025

Schools now provide increased social-emotional learning and mental health support.

From Slate • Aug. 3, 2024

Themes of the show include friendship, adventures, social-emotional learning and expressive writing.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023

“Classroom community and social-emotional learning is like the number-one thing I promote in my classroom … last year there was a lot of anxiety to start the year,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 13, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023