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

Regarding child support, the Doctor Odyssey actor, 46, will contribute $2,787 a month via wire transfer until Juno is 19 or graduates from high school. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 15 May 2025

The Social Security Administration may also withhold current and future Social Security checks for child support, alimony or restitution payments, according to the agency. —Lorie Konish, CNBC, 11 May 2025

Their communication declined from that point on over issues related to child support payments, such as school fees, Rogers said. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 May 2025

They may also be withheld and used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, including student loans. —Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 Apr. 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.