sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ 

-tərn-ˌlȯ

plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ 

1

: the sister of one's spouse

2

a

: the wife of one's sibling

b

: the wife of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of sister-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Second on the list was Princess Diana's iconic sapphire and diamond ring, which Meghan's sister-in-law Kate Middleton wears today, with 22,100 average global monthly searches, followed by Megan Fox, Millie Bobby Brown and Hailey Bieber in the top five. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

Elisabeth and Sarah, the mother of Jon, are sisters-in-law. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law

ˈsis-t(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,

-tərn-ˌlȯ

plural sisters-in-law

-tər-zən-

1

: the sister of one's spouse

2

a

: the wife of one's sibling

b

: the wife of one's spouse's sibling