social service
noun
plural social services
: a program or effort designed to promote human or societal well-being
specifically
: organized help for people who are in need of assistance with basic needs (such as food, housing, safety, or job training) or with medical needs (such as addiction or mental illness)
—usually plural
Most states are struggling with skimpy resources and a system of uncoordinated social services that is totally inadequate to serve a population of individuals whose needs are bottomless. —
Constance Holden
Constance Holden … attacked the idea of social services, claiming that the only entity entitled to provide care is the church, not the government. —Tori Otten
—often used before another noun Tori Otten social service agencies
Until the bridge's closure, the island hosted and supported social service programs including homeless shelters and an addiction recovery campus. —Ellie Wolfe
Ellie Wolfe Examples of social service in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Seeking the truth As a public school in the 1980s, UNCSA was required to report even suspicions of child abuse to the Forsyth County director of social services.
—Sara Coello, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025
This ambitious goal will require cutting spending in some notable areas — including education, health care and social services.
—Laura Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
That funding runs out this year, making right to counsel one of many social service programs in the state facing a fiscal cliff as the one-time dollars run out.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
Create 24-hour child care centers for essential workers Robert Cordero, director of the Lower East Side social service group Grand Street Settlement
At the same time, encourage local businesses to partner with child care providers, offering on-site child care or subsidies for employees.
—Eliza Shapiro, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
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Sara Coello, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025
This ambitious goal will require cutting spending in some notable areas — including education, health care and social services.
—Laura Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
That funding runs out this year, making right to counsel one of many social service programs in the state facing a fiscal cliff as the one-time dollars run out.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025
Create 24-hour child care centers for essential workers Robert Cordero, director of the Lower East Side social service group Grand Street Settlement
At the same time, encourage local businesses to partner with child care providers, offering on-site child care or subsidies for employees.
—Eliza Shapiro, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for social service
Dictionary Entries Near social service
Cite this Entry
“Social service.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20service. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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