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

The rest of Kushner’s wealth lies in cash, artwork and other personal investments (though unlike his brothers-in-law and the president, seemingly no crypto). —Monica Hunter-Hart, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Jake Janz, Carlson’s brother-in-law, reminded him of his promise earlier this year. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025

His entry into the industry began when his brother-in-law created a game that quickly attracted a massive audience. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025

Survivors include her sister, Greta; brother-in-law Gary; nephew Nicholas, his wife, Raphaela, and their daughter, Elowy; and godchildren Marissa and David. —Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 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