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

Costs for master’s of social work programs can vary widely — from around $15,000 a year to over $60,000 a year. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026

Early screening for financial barriers can prompt timely referrals to financial counseling, assistance programs or social work before patients experience treatment delays. —Rhonda Winegar, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026

Now Depaul is considering various pathways for her social work, among them helping homeless people, children or military veterans. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

That's why many health systems offer social work support. —CBS News, 27 Mar. 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