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.
The breach exposed personal data such as addresses and social security numbers for more than 60 million students and teachers nationwide. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026 In fact, the data included everything from social security numbers, criminal histories, full names, addresses, dates of birth, license plate numbers, and more, not just for the people the tipsters called to report, but also for the tipsters themselves. Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026 Vagins says wage gaps affect women throughout their entire lives, translating into less savings for retirement, smaller social security checks, and limits on women's ability to create generational wealth for their kids and grandkids. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 26 Mar. 2026 Unusual requests for sensitive personal information like passwords, social security numbers, or bank details. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 20 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 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

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