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
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 same goes for Brenda Blethyn, so effortlessly affecting as a wife and mother reduced to becoming a client to the welfare state, a degradation that Colleen just can’t begin to tolerate. Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 June 2025 Now, based on some of their comments and policies, the party’s vision for the country is for less consumption, fewer choices, a bigger welfare state, a larger manufacturing sector and cheaper drugs. Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025 The two terms have often been used interchangeably, particularly in the postwar era of democratic welfare states. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025 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 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 12 Jun. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on welfare state

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