sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
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
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.
My ex-wife and two sisters-in-law have remained close friends since our divorce and have shunned my present wife. Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024 In the latest season, sisters-in-law Giudice and Gorga did not film any scenes together. Charna Flam, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 My sister-in-law has been dealing with plantar fasciitis and loves her Kuru Quantum 2. David Hochman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 When Wilhelm married, Jacob lived with his brother and new sister-in-law. Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sister-in-law 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sister-in-law was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sister-in-law

Cite this Entry

“Sister-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sister-in-law. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sister-in-law

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