social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concretely concerned with providing social services and especially with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged

social worker noun

Examples of social work in a Sentence

She is doing social work.

He has a job in social work.

Recent Examples on the Web

She felt called to help others struggling with addiction and, with donations from her fellow church members, started pursuing a master’s degree in social work. —Stephen Simpson, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Nov. 2024

Addams was a leader in the history of social work, women’s suffrage and the rights of minorities and the poor. —Ashley MacKin-Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024

The following year, the government released an intensive plan of countermeasures including a 24/7 consultation service and the expansion of counseling and social work programs. —Jessie Yeung, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024

Context: More than 200 workers have completed the survey so far and Wayne State hopes for at least 500, assistant professor of social work Kess Ballentine says. —Annalise Frank, Axios, 5 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

social work

noun

: any of various professional activities or methods concerned especially with providing services (as counseling, job training, or financial assistance) designed to promote social well-being (as of the economically disadvantaged)

social worker noun

Medical Definition

social work

noun

: any of various professional services, activities, or methods concretely concerned with the investigation, treatment, and material aid of the economically, physically, mentally, or socially disadvantaged