: 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.
Nearly half of Americans (46%) provide financial support for their aging parents or in-laws, or expect to in the future, according to a recent survey from LendingTree, an online lending marketplace. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025 The dog was comfortable with close family members but had never met his sister’s in-laws before. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 After Nellie’s death, Elleigh disappeared from the internet entirely and moved in with her in-laws for emotional support. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025 Williams is survived by his wife of 20 years and their four children, who range from preschool to high school age, his in-laws wrote in GoFundMe. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in-law

Word History

Etymology

mother-in-law, etc.

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in-law was in 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-law. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

in-law

noun
ˈin-ˌlȯ
: a relative by marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on in-law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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