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

His father, Frank, now leads sales, while his two brothers and brother-in-law work in account management. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

His wife and daughter, two brothers and a brother-in-law were convicted as accomplices. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Originally from Miami, Hilton has a large familial support system in the area, which was one of the primary reasons for the move earlier this summer, according to his brother-in-law. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

His brother-in-law said Hilton hasn’t seen his children since the incident, as they’re not allowed in the section of the hospital where he’s being treated. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 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