Social Security number

American  

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee nuhm-ber] / ˈsoʊ ʃəl sɪˈkjʊər ɪ ti ˌnʌm bər /

noun

1. a unique nine-digit number assigned to each U.S. citizen and sometimes also given to resident non-citizens, used by the government for Social Security taxes, program eligibility, etc. SSN

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Etymology

Origin of Social Security number

First recorded in 1935–40

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Social Security number

Contractors prepare daily reports and dossiers on threat actors, identifying the poster’s name, location, date of birth, workplace, Social Security number, vehicle registration and criminal history when possible.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

Brokerage accounts require sensitive data, including a Social Security number, date of birth and home address.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 14, 2026

That’s because the IRS form parents use to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit will expect the name, address and Social Security number or Employer Identification Number of the care provider.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 6, 2026

This elaborate scam includes setting up a time for an interview and then being asked for personal information such as a copy of your W-2 or your Social Security number.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026

She complied with their request and gave them particulars, like Keith’s Social Security number and a bunch of dates and names she rattled off.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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