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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the memoir, Federline claimed that he was awarded $20,000 per month in child support for their two sons. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 The arrest comes amid mounting legal issues tied to unpaid child support. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 Oct. 2025 According to court records obtained by NBC News, Spears paid between $20,000 and $40,000 per month in child support for their sons, Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2025 But two months later, her lawyer filed a request to the Assembly for Heath Flora’s income from the state to be withheld for lack of payment of child support. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for child support

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of child support was in 1901

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Child support.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/child%20support. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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