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

Over 15 years and $25 million raised for Children’s Mercy, George — alongside his family: Jason, sister Kathy and brother-in-law Dan — was a constant presence and passionate supporter of this event. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025

Adding to the family ties, Krasinski’s brother-in-law Stanley Tucci — who is married to Emily Blunt’s sister Felicity — also co-stars in the film, though that turned out to be a surprise to Krasinski himself. —Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025

The witness tampering charge came when Kushner admitted to retaliation against his brother-in-law, William Schulder, who was cooperating with federal investigators. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 20 May 2025

Kate Middleton might have some sympathy for her brother-in-law. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 May 2025

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