public assistance

noun

: government aid to needy, aged, or disabled persons and to dependent children

Examples of public assistance 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.
The nonprofit says 70% of its participants are Black or Latine, half receive public assistance, 60% lack a four-year degree and 40% are immigrants. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 At one elementary school, the share of children on public assistance dropped 9 percent between this school year and last. — Lauren Lumpkin, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 Thompson declined to speculate on Moran’s lack of public assistance for Marshall’s campaign. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 The story was embellished, but Reagan worked to reshape public assistance programs after winning the White House in 1980. — Laura Turbay, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for public assistance

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public assistance was in 1884

Rhymes for public assistance

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Browse Nearby Words

publican
public assistance
publicate
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Cite this Entry

“Public assistance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20assistance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on public assistance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public assistance

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