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
Today, the Princess of Wales has followed her father-in-law’s cue, welcoming the Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu while wearing a grey and white coat by the British-Nigerian designer.
—
Olivia Allen, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Gyllenhaal’s character goes on the honeymoon with his would-be father-in-law, played by Costner, after his fiancée dies two days before their wedding.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
And her father-in-law is a season ticket holder with the Checkers.
—Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
Her mother, Delia Fabro-Miske, was sentenced in 2025 to seven years in prison for her role in her father-in-law’s criminal enterprise.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for father-in-law
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Olivia Allen, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026
Gyllenhaal’s character goes on the honeymoon with his would-be father-in-law, played by Costner, after his fiancée dies two days before their wedding.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
And her father-in-law is a season ticket holder with the Checkers.
—Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
Her mother, Delia Fabro-Miske, was sentenced in 2025 to seven years in prison for her role in her father-in-law’s criminal enterprise.
—Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
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 20 Mar. 2026.
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