social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concretely concerned with providing social services and especially with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged

social worker noun

Examples of social work in a Sentence

She is doing social work.

He has a job in social work.

Recent Examples on the Web

Board member Rebecca Thompson, whose background is in social work, said a consulting report last year recommended the district increase the number of ESE support staff, school welfare workers and counselors. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

With a master's degree in social work, she was used to being the one helping others. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026

Benjamin Henwood, a USC social work researcher and co-author of the paper, said that kind of instability can cause people to lose medications, documents, belongings and connections to outreach workers and care providers. —Meg Tanaka, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026

The fellows dealt with disciplines ranging from social work, nursing and public health, geography, architecture, performance studies, and art. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social work

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• paperwork
• subnetwork
• artwork

Kids Definition

social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concerned especially with providing services (as counseling, job training, or financial assistance) designed to promote social well-being (as of the economically disadvantaged)

social worker noun

Medical Definition

social work

noun

: any of various professional services, activities, or methods concretely concerned with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged