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.
This was how Arkady Rotenberg, Alina’s former father-in-law, became a billionaire. Julia Ioffe, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2025 His father-in-law grew up in the San Fernando Valley and attended San Fernando Valley High. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 On the same day Ray disappeared, investigators found a ransom note made from magazine cutouts in the attic of Crawford’s former father-in-law. Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 The doorbell rings and her father-in-law Jean and brother-in-law Adrien, pastries in hand, join her and her partner Kevin to sit down and watch the game. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 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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