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

Katherine continued her education at the University of Southern California, earning a master’s degree in social work in 2010. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026

Wahab is a former foster youth who holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

After completing her master’s degree in social work, she was hired in 2003 as a licensed school social worker in the district. — Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2026

McKenna Friedland is a Miami resident and a graduate student at Columbia University pursuing a master’s degree in social work. — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 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
• telework

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