ˈbɛn.ɪ.fɪt ˈbɛn.ə.fɪt ˈwɛlˌfɛə ˈwɛlˌfɛɚ wɛlˈbiː.ɪŋ governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need she lives on welfare something that aids or promotes well-being for the benefit of all a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous the town was finally on the upbeat after our recent troubles