mother-in-law

noun

moth·​er-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
ˈmət͟h-rən-
ˈmə-t͟hərn-
plural mothers-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
1
: the mother of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepmother

Examples of mother-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.
After the loss, both his mother-in-law, who is in her late 50s, and brother-in-law moved into the couple’s home. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025 Plus, your mother-in-law may want to shove a suitcase under the bed. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Nov. 2025 Her mother-in-law, Lucinda Witte, theorized that Erika clung to Drew so much because family was especially precious to her. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025 The Kelce family matriarch is mother to NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce – and is slated to be Taylor Swift's future mother-in-law. Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mother-in-law was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

mother-in-law

noun
moth·​er-in-law
ˈmət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ
ˈmət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural mothers-in-law
ˈmət͟h-ər-zən-
: the mother of one's husband or wife

More from Merriam-Webster on mother-in-law

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