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

Insight said the unauthorized individuals may have accessed social security numbers, financial account details, and health insurance information. —Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

There are no limits on hours, no access to healthcare, no contracts, no compensation for injury, and no social security. —CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026

With threats to expose social security numbers, dates of birth, family information, grades, and even confidential medical information, the breach cornered PowerSchool into paying millions of dollars in ransom. —Mike Levine, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026

Migrants will be able to apply in person in 60 social security offices, 371 post offices and five immigration offices across Spain, the government said. —Suman Naishadham, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 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