brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ 

ˈbrət͟h-rən-,

ˈbrə-t͟hərn-

plural brothers-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hərz-ən- 

1

: the brother of one's spouse

2

a

: the husband of one's sibling

b

: the husband of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of brother-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Patrick followed his brother-in-law's advice and trained with real Navy SEALs to prepare, and his commitment paid off when he was ultimately cast in the series. —Alexandra Hurtado, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025

That’s the brother-in-law of Teresa, the owner of the Ohio institution Marzetti's restaurant. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2025

To get Brady’s signature on a contract during the pandemic in 2020, assistant general manager Mike Greenberg had to enlist the help of his brother-in-law. —Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2025

Accusations against his brother-in-law Arthur Stephen Hurd of substance abuse problems and disputes about his sister’s will Comments about allegations of poor leadership and financial impropriety at Mother Emanuel in the years following the shooting. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for brother-in-law

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

Kids Definition

brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law

ˈbrət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,

ˈbrət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ

plural brothers-in-law

ˈbrət͟h-ər-zən-

1

: the brother of one's spouse

2

: the husband of one's sibling or of one's spouse's sibling