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: a relative by marriage

Examples of 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.
Comments that people used to make anonymously from behind a screen now land directly on the feelings of siblings, cousins and in-laws. Dan Rene, Boston Herald, 25 Nov. 2025 The Queens native paired up with Holly Hunter as lovable would-be in-laws in The Big Sick (2017), played a mob lawyer in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman (2019), and starred alongside Hugh Jackman in HBO’s acclaimed Bad Education (2019). Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Nov. 2025 Those are his in-laws who turn on the game and then lovingly bicker. Cathie Beck, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025 This is especially true when the in-laws are coming to stay with you. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in-law

Word History

Etymology

mother-in-law, etc.

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in-law was in 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in-law. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

in-law

noun
ˈin-ˌlȯ
: a relative by marriage

More from Merriam-Webster on in-law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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