father-in-law

noun

ˈfä-t͟hə-rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce father-in-law (audio)
-t͟hərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law ˈfä-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce father-in-law (audio)
1
: the father of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepfather

Examples of father-in-law 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.
Jethro—the biblical prophet Moses' father-in-law—is the most important prophet in the Druze religion and the ancestor of all Druze. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025 My father-in-law is on my board, and my wife’s cousin is one of my cofounders. Dustin Lemick, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Brittany continued to receive Cole Sr.’s $2,300 social security benefits after her father-in-law's death. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Asia Khaleel Fayyad, who arrived a day early to meet her husband after traveling with her son and father-in-law, waited anxiously by the bus shelter with her son on her lap, fearful that the reunion might be delayed indefinitely. Freddie Clayton, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for father-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of father-in-law was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

father-in-law

noun
fa·​ther-in-law
ˈfät͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,
ˈfȧt͟h-,
-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law
ˈfät͟h-ər-zən-,
ˈfȧt͟h-
: the father of one's husband or wife

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