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
Every stocking is hand-made by Martina’s mother-in-law, Julia Gieske.
—
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Monster mother-in-law Andrew's adoring, uptight mother, Evelyn (Elizabeth Perkins), has a more prominent role in the film than in the book, further antagonizing Nina while also providing a deeper backstory for Andrew.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025
Travis Kelce might want to add a special dance moment with his future mother-in-law at his wedding reception with Taylor Swift.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Becky Ann Baker appears in one to scene as a plausibly manipulative mother-in-law to provide dramatic motivation for a crucial subplot.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law
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Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Monster mother-in-law Andrew's adoring, uptight mother, Evelyn (Elizabeth Perkins), has a more prominent role in the film than in the book, further antagonizing Nina while also providing a deeper backstory for Andrew.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Dec. 2025
Travis Kelce might want to add a special dance moment with his future mother-in-law at his wedding reception with Taylor Swift.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Becky Ann Baker appears in one to scene as a plausibly manipulative mother-in-law to provide dramatic motivation for a crucial subplot.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
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 24 Dec. 2025.
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