father-in-law
noun
ˈfä-t͟hə-rən-ˌlȯ 
-t͟hərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law
ˈfä-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ
1
: the father of one's spouse
2
archaic
: stepfather
Examples of father-in-law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This Midtown East penthouse appears in season two as Barney’s father-in-law’s new residence.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
During the search for Michelle Rust, her father-in-law found her vehicle in the 2400 block of Zion Road.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
During an ensuing search, her father-in-law found her vehicle in nearby Lansdowne, police said.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Police and family members conducted a search of the surrounding area, and Michelle Rust’s father-in-law discovered her vehicle, a green Dodge van, in the 2400 block of Zion Road in Lansdowne, about 4 miles from her home.
—Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for father-in-law
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.
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
During the search for Michelle Rust, her father-in-law found her vehicle in the 2400 block of Zion Road.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
During an ensuing search, her father-in-law found her vehicle in nearby Lansdowne, police said.
—Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Police and family members conducted a search of the surrounding area, and Michelle Rust’s father-in-law discovered her vehicle, a green Dodge van, in the 2400 block of Zion Road in Lansdowne, about 4 miles from her home.
—Lily Carey, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for father-in-law
Cite this Entry
“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
