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
There’s something for everyone on this list—not just mothers, but mothers-in-law, grandmothers, and anyone who has had a hand (and heart) in bringing you up.
—
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
Rivera’s mother-in-law, who helped with her youngest, died six months ago.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Taking a leaf out of Princess Diana's style book, Kate wore an aquamarine dress courtesy of her late mother-in-law's favorite designer, Catherine Walker.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
And then his second for his mother-in-law.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law
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Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 Apr. 2026
Rivera’s mother-in-law, who helped with her youngest, died six months ago.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Taking a leaf out of Princess Diana's style book, Kate wore an aquamarine dress courtesy of her late mother-in-law's favorite designer, Catherine Walker.
—Emma Banks, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
And then his second for his mother-in-law.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 18 Apr. 2026.
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