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

Legal Precedents And Protections Traditional child support clauses are unenforceable in prenuptial agreements, says Brian Mayer, senior counsel at Schoenberg Family Law Group. —Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Without this federal data and assistance, child support orders would have little way of being enforced across state lines. —Eli Hager, ProPublica, 23 Apr. 2025

The agreement also stipulates that any child support owed by Ruby is considered paid. —Liam Quinn, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Plus, any refund amount for 2021 automatically will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and that money may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loans. —Susan Tompor, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025

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.