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

The ministry said sustaining Japan's social security system will become increasingly important as the population continues to age. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Tovar noted that this openness carries a cost, since the country provides universal free education and social security, which, by ruling of the country’s Supreme Court extends to irregular migrants as well. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Ueno noted the importance of maintaining a sustainable social security system as the population continues to age and decline. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

People hoping to apply for federal flood assistance should also bring their social security number and information about damages, insurance and their finances. — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 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