1. (noun)social welfare, welfare, public assistance governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need "she lives on welfare"
2. (noun)benefit, welfare something that aids or promotes well-being "for the benefit of all"
3. (noun)wellbeing, well-being, welfare, upbeat, eudaemonia, eudaimonia a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous "the town was finally on the upbeat after our recent troubles"