welfare state

noun

1

: a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens

2

: a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system

Examples of welfare state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For one thing, Jackson’s egalitarianism and support for a strong welfare state—including universal health care—did not contradict his emphasis on personal responsibility and the importance of the Church in Americans’ lives. —Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026

If its welfare state is too cushy, or its climate policies too green – well, nobody’s perfect. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

Should the welfare state extend its embrace? —Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026

This trend has been coupled with a gradual shrinking of the welfare state. —Miranda Sheild Johansson, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for welfare state

• abbreviate
• accelerate
• accommodate
• accumulate
• acuminate
• adjudicate
• adulterate
• affiliate
• agglomerate
• agglutinate
• alleviate
• amalgamate

Kids Definition

welfare state

noun

: a social system in which the government takes on much of the responsibility for the individual and group welfare of its people