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
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.
The lawsuit said Page responded to the request but redacted certain information regarding non-citizens identified on the county’s voter registration list, including their driver’s license or state ID numbers, social security numbers, language preferences, and signature images. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 25 June 2025 With social security costs added on top, that works out at around £12m in annual costs to Liverpool, underlining the size of this deal. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 June 2025 The Mexican social security hospital in Oaxaca was flooded, trees and poles were reported to have fallen over, roads collapsed, and the electrical system collapsed. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 June 2025 And while plenty of seniors do not need a bigger $6,000 tax break (in lieu of Trump’s promises not to tax social security), that amount is pegged about right to make a difference in the lives of the people who need it without offering anything of life-changing significance to wealthier Americans. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for social security

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of social security was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Social security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20security. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

social security

noun
1
: 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

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, 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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