welfare state

noun

1
: a social system based on the assumption by a political state of primary responsibility for the individual and social welfare of its citizens
2
: a nation or state characterized by the operation of the welfare state system

Examples of welfare state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But that does not seem to be the case in Denmark, for example, which has one of the most comprehensive and generous welfare states in the world. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 In 2008, the year of the global financial crisis, Merz published a book arguing that Germany should cut back its welfare state, deregulate its economy, and encourage people to buy more stocks instead of letting their savings languish in bank accounts. Joseph De Weck, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2025 Immigration Helping Spain Spain has taken a different approach to immigration compared to many of its European counterparts, embracing it as a way to grow the economy and sustain the welfare state. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 But on domestic policy, there was a broad consensus supporting an active economic development program and a moderately generous welfare state. Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for welfare state

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of welfare state was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Welfare state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welfare%20state. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

welfare state

noun
: a social system in which the government takes on much of the responsibility for the individual and group welfare of its people

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