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.
In season one, Coop swipes jewelry, expensive wine, designer handbags and more to pay his alimony, child support and to keep up appearances in a neighborhood where appearances are all that matter. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 The bottom line Federal law caps wage garnishment at 25% of disposable earnings for most consumer debts, though the limits are higher for child support and tax obligations, and state laws vary widely. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 But Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules generally tie dependency to custody, not child support, so parents who are paying into the system may not be eligible to claim the child as a dependent on their tax return. Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Garnishment for unpaid debts like child support. Medora Lee, USA Today, 30 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Child support.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/child%20support. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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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