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, 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

Labrador enrolled in Perrysburg High School in January 2024 and went on to obtain an Ohio driver's license and social security number, a statement provided to PEOPLE by the district said. —Michael Nied, People.com, 21 May 2025

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a warning earlier this year to users of the electronic toll collection system E-ZPass, saying customers will never be prompted to hand over personal information such as credit card data or social security numbers via text or email. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 May 2025

That includes proof of identity such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport, two proofs of New York residency and a verifiable social security number. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 May 2025

Identity theft protection services offer continuous monitoring of your credit reports, social security number, and even the dark web to detect if your information is being misused. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025

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