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.
Troy Edwards, Comey’s son-in-law, resigned from his position with the DOJ just minutes after his father-in-law was indicted. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Oct. 2025 But what should’ve been a happy occasion turned into tragedy when the father-in-law-to-be was found murdered the night before the big day, and all eyes pointed to Jocelyn. Claire Franken, TVLine, 30 Sep. 2025 With his wife and father-in-law both being diagnosed with cancer, last year was particularly difficult for Prince William. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 Brandi orchestrated Dusty's final television appearance In 2015, Brandi's father-in-law Dusty had kidney disease and his health was beginning to fail. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

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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