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 building’s skyway-level service center provides in-person assistance and connections to county programs, including child support applications and public benefits, with guidance from a financial navigator. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 6 Mar. 2026

The attorney general’s office is a sprawling state agency that represents the state in civil litigation, enforces child support laws and provides influential legal advice to state agencies. —Philip Jankowski austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026

Neither party received alimony, and child support was set at $0. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Failure to pay child support is a misdemeanor and constructive criminal contempt is a common law crime that is not a felony but also has no maximum penalty. —Maryland Matters Staff, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 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.