: a relative by marriage

Examples of 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.
Patterson’s mother and father in-law plus mother in-law’s sister died. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 July 2025 As the pair get to know each other during longs walks on the coastal cliffs, Peggy’s mother (Audra McDonald) and father (John Douglas Thompson) face off against their potential in-laws. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 July 2025 Patterson claimed the deaths of her in-laws were an innocent accident. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025 Patterson's in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, died along with Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. Britt Clennett, ABC News, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for in-law

Word History

Etymology

mother-in-law, etc.

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in-law was in 1894

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-law. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

in-law

noun
ˈin-ˌlȯ
: a relative by marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on 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!