: a relative by marriage

Examples of 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.
Weaving reprises her role as Grace, who in the original film found herself being hunted by her new in-laws at her family’s posh estate. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025 My daughter in-law is accusing me of preferring my grandson over her children, which is not the case. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025 Love the idea of a tiny home as a solution for visiting in-laws, but aren’t convinced this is the one for you? Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025 Convicted of murdering her husband, Tahereh served her sentence and now faces a ticking clock to negotiate with her in-laws who, under Sharia law, have the legal right to either execute her or forgive her- for a price. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in-law

Word History

Etymology

mother-in-law, etc.

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in-law was in 1894

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-law. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

in-law

noun
ˈin-ˌlȯ
: a relative by marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on in-law

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