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.
Kate Middleton shares her mother-in-law’s penchant for pearls, and has been spotted sporting several of Diana’s pearl pieces. Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026 The Princess of Wales loves her sapphires, just like her mother-in-law did! Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 26 June 2026 María Eugenia Pardo, a resident of Wellington in Palm Beach County, said she is devastated by the tragedy and distressed because her cousin, his wife, their two daughters and his mother-in-law are missing in La Guaira. Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 His mother-in-law is battling Alzheimer's disease. Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 21 June 2026 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 29 Jun. 2026.

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

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