welfare
Americannoun
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the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization; well-being.
to look after a child's welfare; the physical or moral welfare of society.
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financial or other assistance to an individual or family from a city, state, or national government.
Thousands of jobless people in this city would starve if it weren't for welfare.
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(initial capital letter) a governmental agency that provides funds and aid to people in need, especially those unable to work.
idioms
noun
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health, happiness, prosperity, and well-being in general
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financial and other assistance given to people in need
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( as modifier )
welfare services
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Also called: welfare work. plans or work to better the social or economic conditions of various underprivileged groups
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informal the public agencies involved with giving such assistance
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in receipt of financial aid from a government agency or other source
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of welfare
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from phrase wel fare; equivalent to well 1 + fare
Explanation
Your welfare is your happiness and well being. Parents are usually in charge of their children's welfare, making sure they're healthy, happy and well fed. Welfare is a state of content or prosperous existence. So if something bad happens, your welfare is threatened. Welfare can also refer to a government system designed to give money, food, and resources to the poor. Welfare systems have been around since ancient Roman times, but the U.S. welfare program didn't start until the 1930's, during the Great Depression.
Vocabulary lists containing welfare
Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (1787)
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham
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"On Women's Right to Vote" by Susan B. Anthony
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," he wrote on X, announcing fast-track courts to ensure "swift and stringent punishment" for those involved in paper leaks.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth," he said in a social media post, promising to set up fast-track courts to punish those involved in question paper leaks.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
The former mayor of Greater Manchester vowed to give mayors greater control over social housing, welfare and education.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
It preceded the Borkian revolution in antitrust law that shifted the focus from business size to consumer welfare.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 21, 2026
When Lyra was younger, he had taken an interest in her spiritual welfare, only to be confounded by her sly indifference and insincere repentances.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
