safety net

noun

: something that provides security against misfortune or difficulty

Examples of safety net in a Sentence

The program provides a safety net for people who have lost their jobs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The question of what the safety net looks like for producers came up repeatedly across the Summit’s regional conversations, from India to Pakistan to East Africa. Bart Vollaard, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 With that safety net in place, let the organization experiment. Ankur Pal, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The investigation in Loretto was sparked after the West Side safety net hospital came under fire for improperly doling out COVID-19 vaccinations soon after the shots became available. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 Unlike a professional bike race, the Sun Trip has no support vehicles and no safety net. New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for safety net

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of safety net was in 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Safety net.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20net. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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