brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce brother-in-law (audio)
ˈbrət͟h-rən-,
ˈbrə-t͟hərn-
plural brothers-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hərz-ən- How to pronounce brother-in-law (audio)
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
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.
He also is survived by sisters-in-law Margaret Lichty and Judy Holt, and brothers-in-law Alan Lichty, Robert Holt and Dale Logan. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 24 June 2025 Six years ago, her husband died of kidney disease, just five months after burying her brother-in-law. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 The woman took it upon herself to establish a boundary with her brother-in-law. Colson Thayer, People.com, 19 June 2025 Guided by love, loss, and his cautious brother-in-law, José María Montealegre, Mora builds trade ties with British merchant William Le Lacheur. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for brother-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Brother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brother-in-law. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

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