mother-in-law

noun

moth·​er-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ 

ˈmət͟h-rən-,

ˈmə-t͟hərn-

plural mothers-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ 

1

: the mother of one's spouse

2

archaic : stepmother

Examples of mother-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Several amendments to the code have since been adopted, including one that allows the construction of accessory dwelling units — also called mother-in-law suites — by right, eliminating a months-long public hearing process. —The Courier-Journal, 4 Apr. 2024

Aside from her husband, Christopher Nolan, their children and her mother-in-law, Oscar-winning producer Emma Thomas gave a shout-out to only one other person by name when accepting the Academy Award for best picture for Oppenheimer. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Apr. 2024

Nor did her parents, Galvan’s father-in-law and mother-in-law. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2024

Once when told that a certain French fortress was impregnable and once when told that his mother-in-law had died. —Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 25 Mar. 2024

Rosenthal recalled accompanying her mother-in-law to the symphony and to yoga. —Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2024

Turning the other cheek when her mother-in-law, for the fifty thousandth time, sneaks her children candy with red dye in it, though she’s been clear red dye is off limits. —Megan Angelo, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024

Dear Carolyn: My mother-in-law is on oxygen, is wobbly on her feet, can’t hear or see very well, and is understandably forgetful. —Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024

Berkeley said his 99-year-old mother-in-law was born in the front house and plans to leave it to her grandchildren. —Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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