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.
In the comments section, her husband, Grammy winner John Legend, paid tribute to his father-in-law's memory. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026 Whatever your dad, grandfather, father-in-law or father figure prefers, there’s a gift for him on this list of fun — and functional — presents. Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 9 June 2026 But knowing her father-in-law's wishes gave her family peace of mind in their decisions. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 9 June 2026 In March, ProPublica reported that the 26-year-old political novice is raking in political contributions from the industries his father-in-law is nominally responsible for regulating. Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 8 June 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 15 Jun. 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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