sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ 

-tərn-ˌlȯ

plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ 

1

: the sister of one's spouse

2

a

: the wife of one's sibling

b

: the wife of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of sister-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Starting with Sprinkle Cookies inspired by the iconic feud the dessert inspired with sister-in-law Teresa Giudice, the business brought in $500,000 in revenue in under three months, with Bravo fans clamoring to finally have a taste of the drama that took center stage during the show's third season. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

While posing for photos at the event, Princess Charlene was joined by filmmaker Blanca Li, and her sister-in-law Princess Caroline of Hanover, among others. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025

The Alberts, who come from a family of six siblings, have a sister-in-law whom Read's defense claims is close friends with the family of Michael Proctor – the lead investigator on the case who was fired from the Massachusetts State Police. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Diaz’s sister-in-law organized a GoFundMe account to raise money for funeral expenses. —Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sister-in-law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

Kids Definition

sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law

ˈsis-t(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,

-tərn-ˌlȯ

plural sisters-in-law

-tər-zən-

1

: the sister of one's spouse

2

a

: the wife of one's sibling

b

: the wife of one's spouse's sibling