plural sons-in-law
: the husband of one's daughter or son

Examples of son-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.
Berger’s tiny stage bulges like a clown car, stuffed with superb comedians such as Russell Daniels, playing a prospective son-in-law (and Grade A idiot) who shrieks around sick people, and Sarah Stiles, as a pert soubrette. Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 6 June 2025 Days after a judge sentenced legal titan Tom Girardi to seven years in prison for stealing from clients, his son-in-law — formerly a high-ranking attorney at his now-defunct firm — pleaded guilty to a federal charge in Illinois. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 Girardi's son-in-law, David Lira, a former lawyer for his firm, will also go on trial next month on federal fraud charges. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 3 June 2025 Another Girardi Keese lawyer and Girardi's son-in-law, David R. Lira, is expected to stand trial next month. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for son-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of son-in-law was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Son-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/son-in-law. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

son-in-law

noun
ˈsən-ən-ˌlȯ
plural sons-in-law
ˈsən-zən-
: the husband of one's daughter or son

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