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.
Wilson took the teasing from his future father-in-law in stride with a laugh, and then proceeded with his proposal. Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2025 Anytime Asra Hussain-Raza would fly into Missouri to visit her in-laws, there was always one thing her father-in-law would ask her to make for the family — chocolate chip cookies. Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Brooklyn also celebrated his father-in-law on his Instagram Stories on June 24. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 1 July 2025 Getty, who’s now selling the historic abode, bought it from her father-in-law, Francis Ford Coppola, back in 2013. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 12 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on father-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!