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

In addition, the IRS notes, any federal income tax refund for 2022 will be applied to amounts still owed to the IRS or a state tax agency and may be used to offset unpaid child support or other past due federal debts, such as student loan debts. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 25 Mar. 2026

The March 23 filing from Jesse Mudd, Matt Bevin's attorney, notes the push for child support is the only remaining issue still open in the case, as the couple have been divorced now for more than a year. —Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Mar. 2026

Our agreement does not require him to pay child support. —Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026

Other obligations, like unpaid child support, may also result in account restrictions or seizures through court or administrative orders. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Mar. 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.