mother-in-law

noun

moth·​er-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
ˈmət͟h-rən-,
ˈmə-t͟hərn-
plural mothers-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
1
: the mother of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepmother

Examples of mother-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.
Saturday’s game fell on the anniversary of the death of her mother-in-law. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2025 Prosecutors allege Yolanda is then seen loading her car with suitcases and her wife’s dogs and driving away before her mother-in-law or deputies arrived. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025 My mother-in-law also introduced a Kiddush cup with water for Miriam, Moses' sister, to highlight the importance of women's roles during the Passover story, especially in providing hope to the Jewish people. Holly Rizzuto Palker, Parents, 27 Mar. 2025 Democrats also challenged Bisignano on Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's comments on a podcast last week in which the billionaire said his mother-in-law wouldn't care about missing a payment from the agency and that only people committing fraud complain about services. Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Cite this Entry

“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

mother-in-law

noun
moth·​er-in-law
ˈmət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,
ˈmət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural mothers-in-law
ˈmət͟h-ər-zən-
: the mother of one's husband or wife

More from Merriam-Webster on mother-in-law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!