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
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This newfound wealth introduced many opportunities to Jed Clampett, his mother-in-law Granny, cousin Jethro and daughter Elly May.
—
Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
Searching for a thoughtful gift for your mother-in-law who has everything?
—Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
Here are the top options to choose from Snake plant
One of the heartiest and best air-scrubbing indoor plants, this stately common beauty is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue.
—Rebecca Torres, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Though Jeannie seemed ready to stand firm on this decision, the mother-in-law wasn't ready to back down just yet.
—Arabella Hau, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law
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Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025
Searching for a thoughtful gift for your mother-in-law who has everything?
—Brie Schwartz, Glamour, 22 Apr. 2025
Here are the top options to choose from Snake plant
One of the heartiest and best air-scrubbing indoor plants, this stately common beauty is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue.
—Rebecca Torres, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025
Though Jeannie seemed ready to stand firm on this decision, the mother-in-law wasn't ready to back down just yet.
—Arabella Hau, People.com, 16 Apr. 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 7 May. 2025.
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