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

What are the chances her series could be aired on the network started by her father-in-law? —Neda Ulaby, NPR, 1 Apr. 2024

Nor did her parents, Galvan’s father-in-law and mother-in-law. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 29 Mar. 2024

Lennon understandably feared that McCartney’s father-in-law could never be a neutral third party, and instead favored Allen Klein, a brusque and streetwise business barracuda. —Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 29 Mar. 2024

The father-in-law retired early with a broken hip, shaving several years off his career. —USA TODAY, 28 Mar. 2024

Garner, Rice and Coster-Waldau will all reprise their roles in Season 2, as will David Morse, who plays Owen’s father-in-law and Bailey’s grandfather. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024

The princess’ father-in-law, King Charles III, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. —Angela Yang, NBC News, 24 Mar. 2024

Buckingham Palace announced in February that her father-in-law, King Charles III, was being treated for cancer. —Megan Specia, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2024

The announcement comes days after the princess’ medical records at the London Clinic were allegedly breached by hospital staffers and months after Buckingham Palace announced that her father-in-law, King Charles III, had been diagnosed with cancer. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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