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.
Asra Hussain Raza Asra Hussain Raza, 26, was one of several victims killed, her father-in-law, Dr. Hashim Raza, told CNN. Alaa Elassar, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 Martin contended that the firearms belonged to his fiancée and father-in-law. Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 Jan. 2025 That’s when the father-in-law heard five to six gunshots and then yelling for help, deputies said. Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 2025 In her Columbus, Georgia, living room, designer Chenault James treated her father-in-law’s collection of National Geographic magazines as a decorative element, incorporating them into the space as an eye-catching colorblock of warm gold. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025 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 5 Feb. 2025.

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!