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.
Aboard the Carey family fishing boat that June weekend were Jason Carey, his son Grayson, daughter Ella, and Jason’s father-in-law Jeff Morse. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Feb. 2026 This schmuck is Jared Kushner, who is sitting right there as his father-in-law laments what his daughter could have had. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026 Jack Black appeared on a jazz album with his father-in-law. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026 And behind the bench was Mike Sullivan, son of Marshfield and BU and McAvoy’s father-in-law. Stephen Conroy, Hartford Courant, 23 Feb. 2026 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 4 Mar. 2026.

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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