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.
When his wife was out of the room my father-in-law would surreptitiously pass me a sheaf of bills in a pale blue envelope. Hazlitt, 2 Apr. 2025 What's interesting is that Donald Trump, Vanessa's former father-in-law, has given the couple his seal of approval. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 Khan Suri’s father-in-law, who lived in the US for two decades, served as political advisor to the Prime Minister of Gaza and as Deputy of Foreign Affairs in Gaza until 2010, according to a court filing. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 The Florence by Mills founder watched Aryna Sabalenka defeat Jasmine Paolini during the final stages of the tournament, alongside her husband Jake Bongiovi and father-in-law Jon Bon Jovi. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 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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