sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
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
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.
New reporting from the New York Times outlines instances in which the now 27-year-old allegedly used his ties to the Trumps for his own gain, including a now-spoiled deal with Jared Kushner, the husband of his sister-in-law, Ivanka Trump. Jillian Frankel, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025 My sister-in-law is her alcoholic husband’s enabler. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025 Dear Abby: My sister-in-law is her alcoholic husband’s enabler. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025 Survivors include his brother, David; his sister-in-law, Cynthia; and his nephews, Jesse, Brett, and Austin, and their six children. Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sister-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sister-in-law was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sister-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sister-in-law. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sister-in-law

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