Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
social-security-number
noun
/ˈsoʊʃəl sɪˈkjʊrɪti ˈnʌmbər/
Definition
A social security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. It is used primarily for tracking earnings and benefits in the social security system.
Examples
- To apply for a job, you often need to provide your social security number.
- Identity thieves frequently seek social security numbers to steal a person’s identity.
Meaning
The social security number serves as a means to identify individuals for various purposes, including taxation and social services.
Synonyms
- SSN
- Taxpayer Identification Number
- Social Security ID
