social work

American  

noun

1. organized work directed toward the betterment of social conditions in the community, as by seeking to improve the condition of people in poverty, to promote the welfare of children, etc.

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social work British  

noun

1. any of various social services designed to alleviate the conditions of the poor and aged and to increase the welfare of children

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Other Word Forms

• social worker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of social work

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Cal State L.A. will receive $48 million to add more students to its master of social work programs and provide more than 1,000 scholarships and grants for prospective students.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

They said social work and education staff are both trained in how to identify issues of concern regarding a child's welfare and how to respond.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology and gender studies from NYU in 2006, she followed up with a master’s in social work from USC in 2010, People reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Zoey’s mother, BJ Newton, an associate professor of social work and social policy, described the ban as devastating.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Ms. Sandnes received her master’s degree in social work, became a licensed counselor, and still works at The Children’s Home as the counseling services manager.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter