wel·fare/`wɛlˏfɛr; ˈwelfeə/ n [U] 1 whether or not someone has the things they need to be healthy, comfortable, and happy 幸福,安康; 福祉: We're only concerned with your welfare. 我们只是为你的幸福着想。 2AmE also 又作 Welfare money paid by the government to people who are very poor, not working, ill etc 【美】 〔政府对穷人、失业者、病人等发放的〕福利救济金: be on welfare (=be receiving it) 领救济