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social security
noun
1
: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family
especially,
Social Security
: a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
2
: money paid out through a social security program
began collecting social security
Examples of social security in a Sentence
She is living on social security.
He began collecting Social Security checks.
Recent Examples on the Web
In November 2021, Blount opened an account at Bank of America using someone else’s name and social security number without that person’s knowledge, according to the indictment.
—
Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024
Around November 2021, Blount allegedly opened a bank account using the name and social security number of someone who had no knowledge of the scheme, officials said.
—
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2024
The country's health coverage covers almost the entire population with its wide scope of services and is a system publicly funded through social security and taxes.
—
Devika Rao, theweek, 5 Apr. 2024
The complaint said the person had moved to Chengdu and paid social security taxes for several years to be eligible to buy a house.
—
Claire Fu, New York Times, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for social security ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-06-24--16-08-26-f2gnl/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'social security.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near social security
Cite this Entry
“Social security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20security. Accessed 29 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
social security
noun1
: the idea or system by which the public provides for the security of individuals and their families
2
capitalized both Ss
: a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
Legal Definition
social security
noun1
: the principle or practice or a program of public provision (as through social insurance or assistance) for the economic security and social welfare of the individual and his or her family
especially, often capitalized both Ss
: a U.S. government program established in 1935 to include old-age and survivors insurance, contributions to state unemployment insurance, and old-age assistance
2
: money paid out through a social security program
collects social security
see also Social Security Act, Social Security Administration
More from Merriam-Webster on social security
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social security
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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