child support

noun

: payment for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or as otherwise legally required compare alimony

Examples of child support in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The government can garnish a portion of your Social Security benefits to recover unpaid federal taxes, defaulted federal student loans and past-due child support or alimony. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 May 2026

Under most state law, child custody and child support for any unborn children cannot be included in a prenuptial agreement. —Patricia Fersch, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026

Her ex husband owed more than $121,000 in back child support, Szabo wrote in an August 2019 court filing. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026

What changes, if any, should be made in the way the Office of the Attorney General handles child support payments and enforcing child support laws? —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for child support

• heliport
• nonsupport
• reexport
• teleport
• ultrashort
• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort

Kids Definition

child support

noun

: payment for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or as otherwise legally required compare alimony

Legal Definition

child support

noun

: payment made for the support of the children of divorced or separated parents while the children are minors or until they reach an age set by the separation agreement or in a court order compare alimony

Note: Child support is usually paid by the parent who is without custody. In the case of joint custody, both parents usually pay child support.