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

On Wednesday, May 20, The Substance actor, 72, filed a petition to end his $13,750 monthly child support payments to his ex-wife Kimberly Buffington for his 18-year-old twins Thomas and Zoe following their high school graduation, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 May 2026

The legislation would not alter child support, as California law allows payments to continue even when a parent has lost custody or visitation. —Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

Dennis Quaid is asking to stop paying child support to ex-wife Kimberly Buffington now that their twins are graduating high school. —Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Federal student loans, unpaid taxes and child support obligations often have broader collection powers than standard consumer debts like credit cards or personal loans. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 May 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.