social insurance

noun

: protection of the individual against economic hazards (such as unemployment, old age, or disability) in which the government participates or enforces the participation of employers and affected individuals

Examples of social insurance 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.
These friends act as social insurance systems for each other, helping each other when needs arise because of unpredictable and uncontrollable events. — Athena Aktipis, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 China’s overhaul of its social insurance program for migrant workers could narrow urban-rural divides in the country and unlock new streams of economic growth, analysts said. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 25 May 2026 Her government in January approved tougher rules on permanent residency and naturalization as well as measures to prevent unpaid tax and social insurance. — ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026 The briefing was hosted by the National Academy of Social Insurance, a nonprofit focused on social insurance policy. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for social insurance

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of social insurance was in 1890

Rhymes for social insurance

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Browse Nearby Words

social insect
social insurance
socialise
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Cite this Entry

“Social insurance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20insurance. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

social insurance

noun
: insurance of the individual against certain hazards (as unemployment, old age, and disability) that is undertaken, facilitated, or enforced by government

More from Merriam-Webster on social insurance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about social insurance

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