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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.
Child poverty has reached a record high in the United Kingdom as the country’s cost of living soars and its social security safety net falters following years of government austerity. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 Nov. 2025 The sudden rise of Sanseito and other populist political forces, which have played to public anxieties about national identity, social security, economic competition, and mass tourism, made public an anti-immigration sentiment that had previously been simmering under the surface. Gracia Liu-Farrer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025 Bank of America defined income as regularly recurring payments into accounts, such as payroll, social security, unemployment insurance pensions and annuity income. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 13 Nov. 2025 Lisa receives no wages and contributes no funds toward her own social security in old age. Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Social security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20security. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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