# welfare state

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A social system in which the state takes overall responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, providing health care, education, unemployment benefits and social security.
2. A country in which such a system operates.

## Etymology
Compound of welfare + state.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/welfare-state