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; aliment

Compare meaning

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

• palimony vs. alimony

Example Sentences

He pays alimony to his previous wife, which I believe is for life.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

However, the Supreme Court upheld a 2bn won alimony payment for Ms Roh.

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2025

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 • Oct. 4, 2024

It was a court order addressed to Jack So-and-so, informing him that if he didn’t pay his back alimony he would be in contempt and punishable.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck