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
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.
Wise also did not have the correct documentation for payroll increases, did not pay off the county credit card, and allegedly took money and personal property, including jewelry, from clients in a county program that dealt with residents' social security needs such as rent, medication and food. Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register, 3 Feb. 2026 In addition to those two men, Arroyo, by filing habeas corpus petitions, was able to secure the release of three other migrants, all from Venezuela and living in the United States with valid driver’s licenses, work permits and social security numbers. Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026 Residents also have access to Mexico’s public health care options, including IMSS, the national social security health system. Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 And, critically, the Justice Department is in the middle of suing nearly two dozen states, including Minnesota, for their full, unredacted voter files, which apparently would include dates of birth, driver license numbers and partial social security numbers. Miami Herald, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for social security

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of social security was in 1908

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Cite this Entry

“Social security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20security. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on social security

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