mother-in-law

noun

moth·​er-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
ˈmət͟h-rən-,
ˈmə-t͟hərn-
plural mothers-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
1
: the mother of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepmother

Examples of mother-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.
Sometimes, that feeling can be fun and hyperbolic, as when Navis and her set decoration team decided on the day to take all the dolls scattered around Hamid and Dallas’ house and pile them into the mother-in-law’s room Mo attempts to stay in. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025 Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Amanda Schutte; brother, Herman Schutte; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Pearl Krone; brothers-in-law, Bob Heuer and Don Hermanson; sister-in-law, Pat Krone. Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 One woman is seeking advice from the Reddit community after reaching her breaking point with her mother-in-law’s unsolicited advice. Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 Perhaps the mother-in-law saw the baby crying and wanted to help comfort them, or was confused about the purpose of breastfeeding—thinking the act is only meant to comfort babies and not nourish them. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mother-in-law 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near mother-in-law

Cite this Entry

“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

mother-in-law

noun
moth·​er-in-law
ˈmət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,
ˈmət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural mothers-in-law
ˈmət͟h-ər-zən-
: the mother of one's husband or wife

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