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

Zenner, who was a newlywed at the time of her death, was described by friends as having a positive attitude and being passionate about social work. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

While filming Brooklyn Bridge in the early 1990s, McCashin went back to school and got her masters in psychology, followed by her masters in social work, per her LinkedIn. — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

These interviews were a vital part of my transition to clinical social work through a graduate degree. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Its incumbent, Tony Thurmond, had a background in social work before running for various offices, but that kind of experience isn’t always the case. — Los Angeles Times, 13 July 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
• telework

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