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

Observing the relationship between parental contact with their children and the payment of child support obligations, facilitate and encourage parental access and involvement (when appropriate). —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

For example, Social Security retirement benefits are generally protected from private creditors like credit card companies, but they can still be garnished for federal taxes, federal student loans, child support and alimony. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Her ex husband owed more than $121,000 in back child support, Szabo wrote in an August 2019 court filing. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026

According to the outlet, Estrada had previously been ordered to pay $342 per month in child support and allegedly owed more than $2,800 as of November, per the court filings. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 13 May 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.