social security

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkjʊər 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

See Examples For:

social security

Beyond small vendors, the informal sector also includes large numbers of people employed without a contract or social security coverage in artisanal trades, security, the restaurant industry or cleaning, who face a precarious existence.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

Elma Saiz, the minister for inclusion, social security and migration, said food and basic healthcare had been provided daily to 4,000 migrants by the Red Cross.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

Removing tax from period products in Jersey's shops would be "pointless", the social security minister has said.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The accounts named after the president are available nationwide and can be created for anyone under the age of 18 with a valid social security number.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2026

Dill, fortunately and unfortunately, knew all of his family’s relevant financial information, down to his mom’s social security number.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner