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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some of the bigger categories are alimony, child support and most taxes. — Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 These orders can direct retirement benefits toward certain obligations involving a spouse, former spouse, child or other dependent, such as child support, alimony or marital property rights. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Pinault's identity as Augustin's father, however, was not publicly known until the model filed a child support lawsuit five years later. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 Other high priority debts may include court judgement debts and child support debts, according to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). — Mallika Mitra, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for child support

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of child support was in 1901

Rhymes for child support

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Browse Nearby Words

childs
child support
child welfare
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Cite this Entry

“Child support.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/child%20support. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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.

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