Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unique nine-digit identification number: A "social security number" is a specific numerical identifier issued to individuals by the U.S. government for the purpose of tracking income and benefits under the Social Security program.
   • A personal account identifier: It serves as the reference number for an individual's official Social Security account, used for taxation, employment, and accessing government services.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • You must provide your social security number on the job application form.
  • The bank requires your social security number to open a new account.
  • Protecting your social security number from identity theft is very important.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a social security number": To be assigned this official identifier.

  • Every U.S. citizen and authorized resident should have a social security number.

• "To memorize one's social security number": To commit the nine-digit sequence to memory for frequent use.

  • It is advisable to memorize your social security number instead of carrying the card.

Variants and Related Words

• Social Security card (n): The physical card issued by the Social Security Administration that displays an individual's name and social security number.

  • Keep your Social Security card in a safe place.

• SSN (n): A common initialism for "social security number".

  • Please write your SSN in the box provided.

Synonyms

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) (n): A broader category of identification numbers for tax purposes, which includes the SSN.
• National identification number (n): A general term for a country-specific ID number; the SSN is the U.S. version, though it is not technically a national ID.

Related Phrases

• Social Security Administration (SSA) (n): The U.S. government agency responsible for issuing social security numbers and administering the Social Security program.
  • You can apply for a social security number at your local Social Security Administration office.

Important Notes

• The term "social security number" is a fixed compound noun. It is a singular, countable noun (e.g., , ).
• It is primarily used in the context of the United States. Other countries have different systems and identifiers.

Noun

1. the number of a particular individual's Social Security account