father-in-law

noun

ˈfä-t͟hə-rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce father-in-law (audio)
-t͟hərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law ˈfä-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce father-in-law (audio)
1
: the father of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepfather

Examples of father-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 Christian step-grandmother was barred from attending her father-in-law’s funeral. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 Natalie’s politician father-in-law, Doug, only seems to invoke his faith for aesthetics, to flavor his political ambitions to his constituents’ liking. Kyley Sitton, Washington Post, 18 June 2026 Her father-in-law, King Charles, was also treated at the private hospital in central London. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 17 June 2026 The Good Place creator reflected on his late father-in-law, Regis Philbin. Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for father-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

father-in-law

noun
fa·​ther-in-law
ˈfät͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ
ˈfȧt͟h-
-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law
ˈfät͟h-ər-zən-
ˈfȧt͟h-
: the father of one's husband or wife

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