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

She was arrested in 2024 for allegedly failing to make child support payments, per TMZ. —Kayla Grant, People.com, 18 June 2025

She was arrested last July for failing to make child support payments, and in her posts, acknowledged her inability to provide financially. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025

Brown was arrested multiple times in 2023 on warrants accusing him of failing to pay child support. —Bob Harkins, New York Times, 14 June 2025

Also, in October 2023, the former star wide receiver was arrested for failing to pay child support. —Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 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.