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

Prenups generally can't determine child custody or child support because courts decide those issues based on the child's best interests at the time of a divorce. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Whether a debt collector can take child support from your bank account depends largely on the laws in your state and the circumstances surrounding the levy. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Some orders also can require a person to pay spousal or child support. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Ramirez –who was already living separately from her ex-spouse but still relied on him paying child support — qualified. — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 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.