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 individuals and their families

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

Police said the suspect first stormed a social security office, went up to the fourth floor and fired, striking an employee in the leg. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026

Attendees who do not have a real ID will be required to provide a second form of identification like a passport or a social security card to get onto the base. —Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

The previous government fell amid protests against a new budget proposing tax increases and higher social security contributions. —Reuters, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

With an aging population, the government has said Spain needs more workers to maintain its growing economy, pay taxes and contribute to social security. —ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for social security

• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• purity
• surety

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