social studies

American  

noun

1. a course of instruction in an elementary or secondary school comprising such subjects as history, geography, civics, etc.

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social studies British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of how people live and organize themselves in society, embracing geography, history, economics, and other subjects

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Etymology

Origin of social studies

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Amanda Barnett, who co-founded the $21,500-a-year school three years ago, said the holdback program includes college visits and, in place of social studies, “an athletic personal development program” that covers NIL strategy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Miranda couldn’t afford a replacement, and his social studies teacher, unimpressed with the script he submitted, awarded him a B-.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025

Experts in Oklahoma education also questioned how much any changes in social studies standards would actually make a difference on the ground.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

"I don't really feel so scared," says Alvin Rose, 19, a social studies student, having a snack in Vaksala Square, just around the corner from where the shootings happened.

From BBC • May 3, 2025

Two periods later is social studies, and Ms. Rochambeau is coming around to collect an essay that’s due—that I’ve yet again done a wonderful job of not doing.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden