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

The proposal would cost CHF 208 billion (about $230-250 billion) per year, most of which would have been covered by repurposing the existing social security system, although CHF 25 billion (about $28-30 billion) would have required tax increases and spending cuts. —Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Provide $0 property taxes to those receiving social security due to age or disability and to all teachers and school workers who are active or retired. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Avedian said that the issue is not just about people stealing identities or social security numbers; the danger to the consumer is much greater. —Amy Corral, CBS News, 12 May 2026

The union filing says this accreditation form compelled workers to share information, including their social security number, nationality, current residential address and country of birth, which Petersen said has raised concerns. —Adam Crafton, New York Times, 8 May 2026

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