welfare state noun
plural ∼ states [count, noncount] : a social system in which a government is responsible for the economic and social welfare of its citizens and has policies to provide free health care, money for people without jobs, etc.
▪ supporters/opponents of the welfare state ; also [count] : a country that has such a system
▪ supporters/opponents of the welfare state ; also [count] : a country that has such a system
