social service

noun

plural social services

: a program or effort designed to promote human or societal well-being

specifically : organized help for people who are in need of assistance with basic needs (such as food, housing, safety, or job training) or with medical needs (such as addiction or mental illness)

—usually plural

Most states are struggling with skimpy resources and a system of uncoordinated social services that is totally inadequate to serve a population of individuals whose needs are bottomless.

—Constance Holden

… attacked the idea of social services, claiming that the only entity entitled to provide care is the church, not the government.

—Tori Otten

—often used before another noun

social service agencies

Until the bridge's closure, the island hosted and supported social service programs including homeless shelters and an addiction recovery campus.

—Ellie Wolfe

Examples of social service in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Founded in 1893 by social work and public health pioneer Lillian Wald, Henry Street Settlement delivers a wide range of social service, arts and health care programs to more than 60,000 New Yorkers each year. —Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

There also were major increases for teacher training and for community schools, which partner with other entities to provide extra physical and mental health supports and family social services. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Billions more have flowed into transportation, social services and county programs. —Matt Klink, Daily News, 14 May 2026

At Golden Gate Village in San Francisco's Richmond District, seniors rely on daily programming, including meals and social services. —Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social service

• interservice
• disservice
• preservice
• nervous
• nervus