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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
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.
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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.
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Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for social security ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-08-15--15-22-11-hrh2al/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 22 Aug. 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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