daughter-in-law

noun

daugh·​ter-in-law ˈdȯ-tər-in-ˌlȯ How to pronounce daughter-in-law (audio)
ˈdȯ-tərn-
plural daughters-in-law ˈdȯ-tər-zin-ˌlȯ How to pronounce daughter-in-law (audio)
: the wife of one's son or daughter

Examples of daughter-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.
Our daughter-in-law is definitely one-sided. — R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 25 June 2026 His survivors include his wife, son, daughter-in-law and so many who shared his love of the Indiana Dunes. — Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Quickly after the ground stopped shaking, Gallipoli took off to La Guaira in search of his son, daughter-in-law and 4-year-old grandson. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 26 June 2026 Her daughter-in-law Kate Middleton now wears the sparkler after Prince William used it to propose back in 2010. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for daughter-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for daughter-in-law

See All Rhymes for daughter-in-law

Browse Nearby Words

daughterboard
daughter-in-law
daughterliness
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Cite this Entry

“Daughter-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daughter-in-law. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daughter-in-law

noun
daugh·​ter-in-law
ˈdȯt-ə-rən-ˌlȯ, 
-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural daughters-in-law
-ər-zən-
: the wife of one's son or daughter

More from Merriam-Webster on daughter-in-law

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

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