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

States can also participate by asking the IRS to intercept or offset federal tax refunds for state tax obligations or money owed to state agencies—this includes the authority of the state's child support enforcement office to collect on outstanding child support debts. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

The plastic surgeon was ordered to pay Lisa $15,000 a month in child support. —Charna Flam, People.com, 12 June 2025

Those homes must be furnished, and there may be child support or alimony involved. —Kelly Stiefel Arias, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025

The exes then sorted out child support and now share joint custody. —Jack Smart, People.com, 14 July 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.