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

Owens, a California native living in Arizona, filed a paternity lawsuit against Echard in 2023 seeking child support, according to prosecutors. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

On top of child support, the father of Banda's 9-year-old often pays $400 a week for a nanny to help with the kids. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

For example, county government is responsible for running child support systems such as foster care on behalf of the federal and state governments. — Sacbee.com, 20 Oct. 2026

In the settlement, the actress agreed to pay nearly $8,000 in monthly child support for their son, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 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.