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
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 Tori Otten 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
Ellie Wolfe Examples of social service in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Along with Ortiz, Jones and Anthony, participants at the roundtable included business owners, other township officials and people from social services agencies.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Under the new approach, the mayor’s office said the city would first post a notice that the encampment will be cleared and then send homeless department outreach workers there every day for a week to guide people into social services.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
The most employee-friendly industries in Tennessee vary across healthcare and social services, automotive, transportation and logistics, insurance, travel and leisure, and utilities.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 19 Feb. 2026
Under the new approach, the mayor's office said the city would first post a notice that the encampment will be cleared and then send homeless department outreach workers there every day for a week to guide people into social services.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for social service
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Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Under the new approach, the mayor’s office said the city would first post a notice that the encampment will be cleared and then send homeless department outreach workers there every day for a week to guide people into social services.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
The most employee-friendly industries in Tennessee vary across healthcare and social services, automotive, transportation and logistics, insurance, travel and leisure, and utilities.
—Jordan Green, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 19 Feb. 2026
Under the new approach, the mayor's office said the city would first post a notice that the encampment will be cleared and then send homeless department outreach workers there every day for a week to guide people into social services.
—ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for social service
Cite this Entry
“Social service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20service. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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