social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concretely concerned with providing social services and especially with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged

social worker noun

Examples of social work in a Sentence

She is doing social work.

He has a job in social work.

Recent Examples on the Web

In spite of my aunt’s social work degree and years of experience working with children and young adults, and Lynn’s experience as an educator to children with learning disabilities, their application was rejected. —Hazlitt, 4 Feb. 2026

In addition, the County has continued to strengthen social work practice and legal consultation support. —ABC News, 3 Feb. 2026

The Black Love Film Series is free and open to the general public but has special interest for those in the field of social work. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2026

Students pursuing degrees in public health, nursing, social work, and those working to become physician assistants, physical therapists, and more were excluded from the professional category. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for social work

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• paperwork
• subnetwork
• artwork

Kids Definition

social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concerned especially with providing services (as counseling, job training, or financial assistance) designed to promote social well-being (as of the economically disadvantaged)

social worker noun

Medical Definition

social work

noun

: any of various professional services, activities, or methods concretely concerned with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged