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.
His mother-in-law, dressed in traditional garb, had traveled in from Liberia for the event. Hannah Dreyfus, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025 Menswear Showing at: Man/Woman Story: Based in South Africa, Man/Woman newcomer Daniel Sher joined his mother-in-law’s apparel manufacturing business, Together MFK, in 2016 before launching his fun, colorful brand. Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 4 July 2025 Cupp returned to the residence to have some random brief chat with the POTUS’ mother-in-law Nan Cox (Jane Curtin). Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025 The Princess of Wales, 43, went without the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, a few times last year in favor of a ring stack and sported the ring stack again a few times this year. Janine Henni, People.com, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 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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