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.
In victim impact statements, Dobson’s widow and father-in-law have also condemned Nelson, who sold Dobson’s laptop, stole Elliot’s car and used the victims’ credit cards to make purchases at a nearby mall. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 My father-in-law is actually the sweetest human being EVER. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025 The issue of gun violence hit a lot closer to home with the shocking death of Christine Moyer, who was allegedly killed by her father-in-law at a family wedding on Saturday in Schaumburg. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025 Tana Lee, the wife of Nick Hogan, also posted a tribute to her father-in-law following his death. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 6 Aug. 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

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