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
Patterson was found guilty in July of killing her mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, in a case that has been globally followed and dubbed the Leongatha mushroom murders.
—
Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Its tradition of craftsmanship has continued through the present day under the guidance of Paola Locchi, who inherited the business from her father-in-law in 1964 and relaunched it in its current form as not only a restorer but also a producer and engraver of fine crystal and glassware.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025
My boys hunt, my husband hunts, my father-in-law, etc.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
However, after suffering the loss of his father and father-in-law (James Needham) just a few weeks apart two years ago, Murphy says his passion for cycling waned for a bit.
—Scott Talley, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025
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Alasdair Pal, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
Its tradition of craftsmanship has continued through the present day under the guidance of Paola Locchi, who inherited the business from her father-in-law in 1964 and relaunched it in its current form as not only a restorer but also a producer and engraver of fine crystal and glassware.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025
My boys hunt, my husband hunts, my father-in-law, etc.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
However, after suffering the loss of his father and father-in-law (James Needham) just a few weeks apart two years ago, Murphy says his passion for cycling waned for a bit.
—Scott Talley, Freep.com, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father-in-law
Cite this Entry
“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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