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

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

She competed in—and won—pageants and was active in her Baptist church, before getting a degree in home economics from the University of Kentucky.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

“It doesn’t,” replied Ms. Martin, who is also a Republican and taught home economics for 18 years at the Pittsburg School down the road.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 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

Naomi winced with each step back to the home economics cottage.

From "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Pérez