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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
This includes names, addresses, emails and, most critically, social security numbers (SSNs).
—Tamas Kadar, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Even without certain information, like a social security number, these packages can be used to fraudulently obtain fake driver’s licenses and loans.
—Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Oct. 2024
No social security numbers or financial information was involved.
—My Ly, arkansasonline.com, 23 Oct. 2024
The dossier published by Klippenstein contained some of Vance’s personal information, including his home address and part of his social security number.
—Liam Reilly, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for social security
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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 14 Nov. 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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