social welfare

noun

: organized public or private social services for the assistance of disadvantaged groups
specifically : social work

Examples of social welfare in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its website describes the group as a social welfare nonprofit. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 That presents Europe with a tough choice between its defense and its social welfare programs. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 July 2026 That disconnect is a problem in an environment of growing daily stressors, from rising federal law enforcement presence to social welfare cuts that prevent many from meeting basic needs. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026 They’ve been given temporary residency permits and support, including accommodation or help to get housing, social welfare benefits, medical care and access to schools. — Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for social welfare

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social welfare was in 1912

Rhymes for social welfare

See All Rhymes for social welfare

Browse Nearby Words

social weaverbird
social welfare
social whale
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Cite this Entry

“Social welfare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20welfare. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

social welfare

noun
social wel·​fare -ˈwel-ˌfa(ə)r, -ˌfe(ə)r How to pronounce social welfare (audio)
: organized public or private social services for the assistance of disadvantaged groups
specifically : social work

More from Merriam-Webster on social welfare

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social welfare

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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