father-in-law

noun

ˈfä-t͟hə-rən-ˌlȯ 

-t͟hərn-ˌlȯ

plural fathers-in-law ˈfä-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ 

1

: the father of one's spouse

2

archaic : stepfather

Examples of father-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The outing remains a highlight for my kids and father-in-law almost two years later. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 13 June 2025

As a member of the gentry, Thomas is crossing class lines by cavorting with the fishermen who work for his father-in-law. —B. Pietras june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

Korda is inspired by Armenian oil baron Calouste Gulbenkian and Lebanese businessman Fouad Malouf, who is Anderson’s father-in-law. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 10 June 2025

In From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, Ana de Armas’ Eve is seeking revenge after the death of her father, Javier (David Castañeda), who was killed in an assassination attempt by his father-in-law and her grandfather, The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) a dozen years before. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for father-in-law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

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