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 former couple share two children, 10-year-old son Logan and 6-year-old daughter Elle, for whom Lenny was ordered to pay $15,000 in child support every month, per People. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

The federal government can still garnish Social Security benefits for certain debts, including unpaid federal taxes, student loans and child support. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

Sia will pay Bernad $42,500 per month in child support for their 2-year-old son, Somersault Wonder, PEOPLE previously reported on Monday, April 6, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026

In season one, Coop swipes jewelry, expensive wine, designer handbags and more to pay his alimony, child support and to keep up appearances in a neighborhood where appearances are all that matter. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 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.