DictionaryAI

welfare

SayWEL-fairUS/ˈwɛlˌfɛɚ/UK/ˈwɛlˌfɛə/

3 meanings of welfare

Practice

  1. 1
    noununcountable
    How healthy, safe, and happy a person or group is.

    The new playground was built with the welfare of children in mind.

    Good farmers care about the welfare of their animals.

    Similarwell-being, good, interests, health

    Note
  2. 2
    nouncolloquialUSuncountable
    Money or help the government gives to people who do not have enough to live on.

    Her family relied on welfare after her father lost his job.

    Many people on welfare are looking hard for work.

    Similarbenefits, assistance, aid, relief

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 3
    verb
    To provide with welfare or aid.

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English welefare, probably from the Old English phrase wel faran, meaning "to fare well" or "to prosper." It comes from well plus fare.