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, 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 House passed the sweeping bill, which extends tax cuts and slashes the U.S.'s social security net programs, with a 218-214 vote—with all Democrats voting against it and all but two Republicans supporting it. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

This included social security numbers, dates of birth and addresses, all considered sensitive personal identifiable information that can be used to track people or borrow their identity to commit further crimes. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

All federal offices, which include courtrooms and social security offices, will be closed, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Federal workers are also responsible for food safety checks, ensuring the air and water is clean, processing social security benefits, overseeing air traffic, working to keep people's money safe with banks and much more. —Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

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