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 individuals and their families

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

Although some personal information associated with user accounts may have been involved, the company said there was no evidence that passwords, social security numbers, financial information or other highly sensitive data had been compromised. —Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026

Spain’s population is aging, and Sánchez has repeatedly said that the country needs more workers to maintain its growing economy and contribute to social security. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

Spain's population is aging, and Sánchez has repeatedly said that the country needs more workers to maintain its growing economy and contribute to social security. —ABC News, 6 May 2026

The software granted him access to private information, including social security numbers, text messages, and nude photographs. —Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social security

• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• purity
• surety

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