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

Thirty years of Republican dominance give the GOP runoff winner the inside track to lead the office, which represents the state in civil lawsuits, enforces child support laws and provides influential legal opinions that can guide state policy. —Philip Jankowski austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026

His former fiancée, Anamaria Goltes, 28, has filed a petition in California seeking child support and attorney fees from Doncic. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Neither party received alimony, and child support was set at $0. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 11 Mar. 2026

As part of the plea agreement, Naylor will have to pay child support to Medina’s children. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 10 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.