alimony

American  

[al-uh-moh-nee] / ˈæl əˌmoʊ ni /

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.

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alimony British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• alimonied adjective

Etymology

Origin of alimony

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

Compare meaning

How does alimony compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• palimony vs. alimony

Explanation

When a couple gets divorced, the court might order the one spouse to pay alimony to the other, which is like an allowance for basic expenses like food and shelter. Although these days we only use the word alimony when we talk about divorce, it comes from a Latin word alere, meaning to nourish. Traditionally it was the husband’s job to take care of his wife’s nourishment, and women raising children needed alimony payments to live on after a divorce or separation. Nowadays it might be the dad staying at home, and the working wife who pays alimony after a divorce.

Example Sentences

These are most commonly claims for child support or alimony, federal and state tax obligations, government-related debts, and, in some jurisdictions, debts owed to victims of fraud.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

She said her alimony was low enough to make her eligible for food stamps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

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

From Salon • Aug. 31, 2024

“Often alimony was awarded on the basis of that,” because typically “the economically weaker party is going to be the most harmed by divorce.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2024

What was he gone give me alimony on?

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison