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.
Tara opened up about having Guy as a father-in-law during an interview with PEOPLE in August. Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 He was arrested again two days later, accused of trying to break into his father-in-law’s residence through the dog door and assaulting the man in the front yard, according to the criminal complaint filed in the case. Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025 After all the presents had been opened, my father-in-law pulled out one last gift—a small, simply wrapped box. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 5 Dec. 2025 In that kind of situation, many might have turned a blind-eye to the taxidermy goat, but Wiggins’ father-in-law was different. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 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 13 Dec. 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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