welfare state [welfare states]◼◼◼(country in which such a system operates) noun [UK: ˈwel.feə(r) steɪt] [US: ˈwel.ˌfer ˈsteɪt]
welfare state [welfare states]◼◼◼(social system in which the state takes overall responsibility for the welfare of its citizens) noun [UK: ˈwel.feə(r) steɪt] [US: ˈwel.ˌfer ˈsteɪt]