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

Alfonso is looking to become the youngest member of Congress by winning Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, a seat previously held for nine years by his father-in-law before Duffy stepped down in 2019. — Scott Bauer, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026

Lindsay Clancy's former father-in-law testifies Christopher Clancy, the father of Patrick Clancy and Lindsay's former father-in-law, brought a priest into the courtroom for his testimony. — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Jurors in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy heard from her former father-in-law and close friends on Thursday. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Miller put out the statement after his ex-father-in-law and fellow Republican demanded Miller leave Congress. — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for father-in-law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

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