brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce brother-in-law (audio)
ˈbrət͟h-rən-, 
ˈbrə-t͟hərn-
plural brothers-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hərz-ən- How to pronounce brother-in-law (audio)
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
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.
Back in December 2023, Travis opened up about receiving a special gift from his new brother-in-law, who was dressed as Santa. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 Austin was previously spotted attending Kansas City Chiefs games alongside his sister to support his future brother-in-law in 2023 and 2024. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026 Cancro’s wife, two sons, daughter, sister-in-law, brother, two brothers-in-law, and stepson all drew patches from the company at various points between 2023 and 2025. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Henderson and his brother-in-law, Bob Taylor, normally fish together. — Tom Opre, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brother-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of brother-in-law was in the 14th century

Rhymes for brother-in-law

See All Rhymes for brother-in-law

Browse Nearby Words

brother-in-arms
brother-in-law
Brother Jonathan
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brother-in-law. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on brother-in-law

Nglish: Translation of brother-in-law for Spanish Speakers

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