1
: a government program for poor or unemployed people that helps pay for their food, housing, medical costs, etc.
He wants to do away with welfare.
His family is on welfare. [=receiving government assistance]
—often used before another nounwelfare benefits/programs/payments/costs
welfare families [=families that receive welfare]
—sometimes used figuratively(chiefly US) corporate welfare [=money or aid given by the government to help a large company]
2
: the state of being happy, healthy, or successful : well-being
I have your welfare at heart.
The welfare of all the orphans was at stake.
She donates to organizations concerned about animal welfare.
Cite this Entry
“Welfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/welfare. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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