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.
What started at the behest of her father-in-law, who wanted the historic landmark back in the family, has become a personal mission: to maintain The Colony’s traditional elements while adding modern touches and unexpected moments. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Dec. 2024 Lara Trump said her father-in-law is focused on his legacy during his final upcoming term. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Dec. 2024 Trump, who is married to President-elect 's son Eric, was elected the co-chair of the RNC in March after her father-in-law endorsed her for the role. Khaleda Rahman, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 Lara Trump emerged as a top adviser to her father-in-law’s campaign in 2020, again with a focus on female voters. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near father-in-law

Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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!