social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concretely concerned with providing social services and especially with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged
social worker noun

Examples of social work in a Sentence

She is doing social work. He has a job in social work.
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.
Archways to Opportunity enabled Carter to complete college with associate and bachelor’s degrees in sociology at Cal State Fullerton and a master’s degree in social work, with a focus on social change and innovation, at the University of Southern California. Ryan Stowers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 The creation of improv and of The Second City is rooted in social work. Claudia Lauder, Christian Science Monitor, 23 June 2025 While working multiple jobs including at a fast-food restaurant to support her family, Ubaldo eventually won scholarships to study social work at university. Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 June 2025 But those who confess and make reparations – by providing information on how and why the murders took place and where the dead may be buried, performing social work, and apologizing to relatives of the victims - can avoid prison. John Otis, NPR, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for social work

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social work was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Social work.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20work. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

social work

noun
: any of various professional activities or methods concerned especially with providing services (as counseling, job training, or financial assistance) designed to promote social well-being (as of the economically disadvantaged)
social worker noun

Medical Definition

social work

noun
: any of various professional services, activities, or methods concretely concerned with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged

More from Merriam-Webster on social work

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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