alimony

[ al-uh-moh-nee ]

noun

1. Law. an allowance paid to a person by that person's spouse or former spouse for maintenance, granted by a court upon a legal separation or a divorce or while action is pending.
2. supply of the means of living; maintenance.

alimony

/ ˈælɪmənɪ /

noun

1. law (formerly) an allowance paid under a court order by one spouse to another when they are separated but not divorced See also maintenance

Other Words From

• ali·monied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alimony¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin alimōnia “nourishment, sustenance,” from ali- (stem of alere “to feed, nourish, support”) + -mōnia -mony; aliment

Word History and Origins

Origin of alimony¹

C17: from Latin alimōnia sustenance, from alere to nourish

Example Sentences

Even with the threat of lost alimony hanging over her head, they can barely get Melania Trump to be around her husband, even for a photo-op.

From Salon

For Dorothy, her salary as a substitute teacher doesn’t let her build an adequate rainy day or retirement fund, even though she receives alimony from her ex-husband.

From Salon

A prenup can also have rules on other issues, like how to share custody of an animal or if alimony will be expected.

From Salon

If they get divorced during this time period, they may want alimony so they can continue being a stay-at-home parent.

From Salon

In his effort to prove that Mr. Biden lied about his drug use, the special counsel in the case, David C. Weiss, called Mr. Biden’s former wife, Kathleen Buhle, who remains locked in a yearslong fight with him over alimony payments after a 24-year marriage that ended in 2017.

From New York Times