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

Filmmaker and cultural consultant on the film Dolly Li explained how Coogler discovered that his father-in-law had Chinese Delta ancestors, like the characters of Grace and Bo (played by Li Jun Li and Yao), who were based on grocery-store owners of the time period. —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Apr. 2025

The Administration apparently likes Tshisekedi’s idea: last week, Trump’s new adviser to the region, Massad Boulos (who also happens to be the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany), said that a deal, whose details were not disclosed, is under review. —Nicolas Niarchos, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025

Meghan Markle is said to be making a sweet-as-honey gesture toward her father-in-law. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Tiger Woods Took Vanessa Trump and Her Daughter to Golf Tournament Weeks Before Dating News Broke: Photos As for how Vanessa’s former father-in-law, President Donald Trump, feels about the romance? —Meredith Kile, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025

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