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

By Rebecca Schneid August 17, 2024 8:56 AM EDT In the aftermath of the major security breach confirmed by National Public Data (NPD) on Friday, many may have to safeguard their sensitive information, like their social security number, to prevent identity theft. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 17 Aug. 2024

The information that was suspected of being breached contained name, email address, phone number, social security number, and mailing address(es). —Umar Shakir, The Verge, 16 Aug. 2024

The records included peoples’ names, mailing address, social security number, and additional information. —William Gavin, Quartz, 15 Aug. 2024

Johnson allegedly obtained a copy of the deceased child’s birth certificate and used that to eventually get a social security number in Texas in 1995 — a year after his escape, the USMS says. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 18 July 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