Dictionary

1welfare

noun wel·fare \ˈwel-ˌfer\

: a government program for poor or unemployed people that helps pay for their food, housing, medical costs, etc.

: the state of being happy, healthy, or successful

Full Definition of WELFARE

1
:  the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity <must look out for your own welfare>
2
a :  aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need
b :  an agency or program through which such aid is distributed
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Origin of WELFARE

Middle English, from the phrase wel faren to fare well
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Sociology Terms

bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture

2welfare

adjective

Definition of WELFARE

1
:  of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and especially with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups <welfare legislation>
2
:  receiving public welfare benefits <welfare families>

First Known Use of WELFARE

1903

Other Sociology Terms

bourgeois, ethos, eugenics, exurb, incommunicado, intelligentsia, megalopolis, metrosexual, mores, subculture
WELFARE Defined for Kids

welfare

noun wel·fare \ˈwel-ˌfer\

Definition of WELFARE for Kids

1
:  the state of being or doing well especially in relation to happiness, well-being, or success
2
:  aid in the form of money or necessities for people in need
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