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

Government data suggests more than 70,000 people are registered with social security as working in the agriculture business in Almería. — Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

According to the Social Security Administration, in 2024, over 760,000 Americans received their social security while living abroad, about a 43% increase from 2019. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Workers’ organisations and pensioners’ groups have been mobilizing around salaries and social security, with small protests held across Venezuela in recent weeks. — Catherine Ellis, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Then you will be asked your personal information like social security number, birthdate, or employment history. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 15 Aug. 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