mother-in-law
noun
moth·er-in-law
ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ 
ˈmət͟h-rən-,
ˈmə-t͟hərn-
plural mothers-in-law
ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ
1
: the mother of one's spouse
2
archaic
: stepmother
Examples of mother-in-law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Russell — the devoted husband of Paige (Elle Chapman) — absorbs hornet stings and sharper barbs from his mother-in-law, Stacy Clyburn (Michelle Pfeiffer).
—
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The time piece was a sentimental detail, having belonged to Princess Diana, and which her late mother-in-law wore many times for her own public engagements.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026
At the wedding, the mother-in-law went around rearranging seating, even putting herself at my family table instead of her own.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
So, on top of everything else, snoring might give our spouses another reason to resent their mothers-in-law.
—Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law
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Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
The time piece was a sentimental detail, having belonged to Princess Diana, and which her late mother-in-law wore many times for her own public engagements.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026
At the wedding, the mother-in-law went around rearranging seating, even putting herself at my family table instead of her own.
—Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2026
So, on top of everything else, snoring might give our spouses another reason to resent their mothers-in-law.
—Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law
Cite this Entry
“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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