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 filing also argues new child support obligations cannot be established after a child turns 18 — Jonah was 18 at the time of the 2025 court hearings. —Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Jan. 2026

The former couple also agreed that Baiul will not have to pay child support, and neither will pay spousal support in the interim. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026

For child support garnishments, the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division provides case information and payment options. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026

As for their children, the estranged pair reportedly plan to take co-parenting classes and have already submitted a child support worksheet. —Jami Ganz, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 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.