economics

noun

eco·​nom·​ics ˌe-kə-ˈnä-miks How to pronounce economics (audio) ˌē-kə- How to pronounce economics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
a
: a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
b
: economic theory, principles, or practices
sound economics
2
: economic aspect or significance
the economics of building a new stadium
3
: economic conditions
current economics

Examples of economics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This sends the wrong message to students, says Paul Novosad, an economics professor at Dartmouth College, a school whose own provost’s use of AI in writing led to the administrator’s recent resignation. — Austin Horn, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 This sends the wrong message to students, says Paul Novosad, an economics professor at Dartmouth College, a school whose own provost’s use of AI in writing is being investigated by the administration. — Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 This is by design, according to John Campbell, an economics professor at Harvard. — Adam Clark Estes, Vox, 23 Oct. 2026 The basic model of competitive markets which one finds in an introductory economics textbook—where independent firms engage in cold arm’s-length transactions motivated by unadulterated self-interest—does not apply to the industry. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for economics

Word History

Etymology

earlier oeconomicks "science or art of managing a household" from oeconomick, economike in same sense (Middle English iconomique, borrowed from Middle French yconomique, borrowed from Medieval Latin economica, feminine singular or neuter plural of oeconomicus "relating to the management of a household") + -ics — more at economic

Note: Compare ancient Greek oikonomikḗ "practice of household, administrative or economic management," oikonomiká (neuter plural) "administrative affairs."

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of economics was in 1792

Phrases Containing economics

Rhymes for economics

See All Rhymes for economics

Browse Nearby Words

economic rent
economics
economic science
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Cite this Entry

“Economics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economics. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

economics

singular or plural noun
ec·​o·​nom·​ics
ˌek-ə-ˈnäm-iks, 
ˌē-kə-
1
: a social science concerned with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services
2
: financial considerations
the economics of buying a house
economist
i-ˈkän-ə-məst
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on economics

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about economics

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