welfare state

noun

1
: a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
2
: a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system

Examples of welfare state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The nineteen-forties and fifties were supposedly an era of liberal consensus, when both parties agreed on the virtues of the welfare state and a U.S.-led international order. Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 That makes eminent sense, given that — even with economic stagnation on much of the continent due in part to the robust welfare states Europeans have built while scrimping on defense spending — Europe as a whole is far wealthier than Russia, with a GDP 10 times larger. Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 Where earlier welfare states delivered benefits, Biden’s welfare state became a crusader for economic, social, and cultural change. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 1 Feb. 2025 Brutalism was the welfare state in Britain and authoritarian rule in the Soviet Union. Anna Kodé, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for welfare state

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of welfare state was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Welfare state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welfare%20state. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

welfare state

noun
: a social system in which the government takes on much of the responsibility for the individual and group welfare of its people

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