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.
My brother-in-law has always been arrogant. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 In December, the actress January Jones took to Instagram to film herself hiding from her chip-chomping brother-in-law. Sloane Crosley, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Kylie took the opportunity to poke fun at her husband, Jason Kelce, 38, and brother-in-law, Travis Kelce, 36, who both were kicked out of pre-school. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026 Wael al-Abbasi said that his brother-in-law, Abdul-Rahman al-Yassin, was detained on March 9, 2013 while his wife and children were detained four days later. ABC News, 3 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brother-in-law. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.

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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