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

However, certain debts — like unpaid taxes, child support or student loans — can result in higher percentages. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 May 2026

For example, county government is responsible for running child support systems like foster care on behalf of the federal and state governments. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2026

Their divorce was eventually finalized in 2008 as Alejandra was granted physical custody of their children and Jermaine was ordered to pay $3,000 a month in child support, TMZ reported at the time. —Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

In September 2017, a judge granted Elkins and Sariahh’s mother joint custody following a petition to determine paternity and establish child support, according to court records reviewed by NBC News. —Ryan Chandler, NBC news, 20 Apr. 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.