-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
social security
noun
1
: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family
especially,
Social Security
: a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
2
: money paid out through a social security program
began collecting social security
Examples of social security in a Sentence
She is living on social security.
He began collecting Social Security checks.
Recent Examples on the Web
The complaint said the person had moved to Chengdu and paid social security taxes for several years to be eligible to buy a house.
—Claire Fu, New York Times, 6 June 2024
Each Japanese resident gets a My Number, which can be used to interact with social security, tax, and other administrative services in the country.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 30 May 2024
The Act, under its previous language, only allowed heterosexual couples to access federal benefits, such as income taxation, social security benefits, etc.
—Solcyré Burga, TIME, 17 May 2024
Once the child is born, parent's apply for their kids social security card and the legal name is solidified.
—Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for social security
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'social security.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near social security
Cite this Entry
“Social security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20security. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
social security
noun1
: the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families
2
capitalized both Ss
: a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
Legal Definition
social security
noun1
: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family
especially, often capitalized both Ss
: a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
2
: money paid out through a social security program
collects social security
see also Social Security Act, Social Security Administration
More from Merriam-Webster on social security
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social security
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share