Social Security number

[soh-shuhl si-kyoor-i-tee nuhm-ber]

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Social Security number¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

In addition, you can organize his documents, including his Social Security number, bank statements, life-insurance policies, will and other legal documents in a safe place.

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“Well, ma’am, do you know your Social Security number?” the officer asked me.

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These scholars were required to obtain Social Security numbers to work on campus in roles such as research or teaching assistants, postdoctoral fellows or visiting lecturers.

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Right now, they are barely adults; they still call me to ask for their Social Security numbers every time they have to fill out a form.

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Typically, when someone dies, their next of kin or their estate administrator or executor contacts their financial institution and provides the deceased person’s name and Social Security number, along with a death certificate.

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