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

Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas has refused to give the federal government a version of voter registration data including people’s social security numbers or driver’s license numbers, which current state law prohibits sharing. —Ct Mirror, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2026

Ending taxation of social security income above $107,000 annually was supported by 79% of all poll respondents, 68% of Democrats. —Patrick Anderson, The Providence Journal, 24 Feb. 2026

This fund would also provide social security for climbers and support staff in mountaineering. —Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 17 Feb. 2026

Provide $0 property taxes to those receiving social security due to age or disability and to all teachers and school workers who are active or retired. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 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