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

Beijing’s Five-Year Plan emphasizes public well-being and social security, signaling a shift towards structural reforms.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

In recent years Scotland has struck out on a different path to the rest of the UK when it comes to income tax and social security.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The regularisation, he adds, "will allow me to work and contribute to the social security system."

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

It will also favor workers overall, they argue—the country’s rigid labor laws have forced some 40% of Argentina’s workers to operate in the informal economy, without contracts or social security.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

I had even gone to the social security office the month before to get my social security number.

From "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros