social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

1. Usually Social Security a program of old-age, unemployment, health, disability, and survivors insurance maintained by the U.S. federal government through compulsory payments by specific employer and employee groups.

2. the theory or practice of providing economic security and social welfare for the individual through government programs maintained by funds from public taxation.

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social security British  

noun

1. public provision for the economic, and sometimes social, welfare of the aged, unemployed, etc, esp through pensions and other monetary assistance

2. (often capitals) a government programme designed to provide such assistance

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Etymology

Origin of social security

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

"I hate it," says David McQueen, retired Vietnam veteran who depends on social security for his livelihood.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

State pensions in most of Europe remain more generous than U.S. social security, reducing the incentive to build nest eggs in the market.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Scotland has used its devolved powers to set up a distinct tax system, which helps fund a more generous social security support and free university education.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

“We can’t allow all this to be amplified or emboldened through an algorithm,” Elma Saiz, Spain’s minister of inclusion, social security and migration, said at a press conference.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Five hundred dollars, his driver’s license, phone numbers on slips of paper, social security card, airline ticket stub, cleaners receipts.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison