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

Hackers are after your social security number, your bank account information and your company’s internal communications, the sessions emphasize. —Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024

In short, the winner of the 2028 presidential election will have to be the one to do the hard work to shore up social security given that neither party appears willing to seriously address the issue. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

In Ohio's senate race, the most expensive race in the country, Defend American Jobs has paid for ads supporting Republican challenger Bernie Moreno that talk about, for example, protecting social security and his personal story. —Brady Dale, Axios, 29 Oct. 2024

Perhaps more pressing than the presidential race is the constitutional referendum that would overhaul Uruguay’s social security system. —Nayara Batschke and Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

social security

noun

1

: 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

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, 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