home economics

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.

home economics

noun

1. functioning as singular or plural the study of diet, budgeting, child care, textiles, and other subjects concerned with running a home

Derived Forms

• home economist, noun

Other Words From

• home economist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of home economics¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Janice says, “Well, I have to fill one science requirement and English, and I want to take home economics…”

From Salon

“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

His father was an art teacher, and his mother taught home economics, Ms. Kijner said.

From New York Times

Resourcefulness is the hallmark of the housewife, according to any 1950s home economics film.

From Salon

"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