brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ 

ˈbrət͟h-rən-, 

ˈbrə-t͟hərn-

plural brothers-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hərz-ən- 

1

: the brother of one's spouse

2

a

: the husband of one's sibling

b

: the husband of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of brother-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is also the first to accurately include Andrew Borden’s brother-in-law in the telling. — Steve Belanger, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

His brother-in-law Tom Giarraffa revealed late last month on the blogger’s podcast, now being hosted solo by Chris Booker, that the transfer was the ideal treatment plan. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Later, Swift was spotted sitting beside her brother-in-law Jason Kelce, the ESPN analyst and former Eagles center. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Choose a seat far from your brother-in-law or excuse yourself to help with the dishes. — Meghan O’Gieblyn, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for brother-in-law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

Kids Definition

brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law

ˈbrət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, 

ˈbrət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ

plural brothers-in-law

ˈbrət͟h-ər-zən-

1

: the brother of one's spouse

2

: the husband of one's sibling or of one's spouse's sibling