sister-in-law
noun
sis·ter-in-law
ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ 
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law
ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ
1
: the sister of one's spouse
2
a
: the wife of one's sibling
b
: the wife of one's spouse's sibling
Examples of sister-in-law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Short also spoke about losing numerous people in his life over the past year, including his sister-in-law, daughter and friends Diane Keaton, Rob and Michele Reiner and Catherine O'Hara.
—
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 10 May 2026
Nineteen couples have married at the White House since its construction in 1800, beginning with the wedding of President James Madison’s sister-in-law, Lucy Payne Washington, to Supreme Court Justice Thomas Todd in 1812.
—Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Letter writer blames sister-in-law for brother’s non-Jewish funeral plans.
—R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 7 May 2026
Although Caroline Kennedy wasn’t necessarily as well-known for her style as her sister-in-law Carolyn Bessette, Gummer was still aesthetically inspired by her character.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sister-in-law
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.
Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 10 May 2026
Nineteen couples have married at the White House since its construction in 1800, beginning with the wedding of President James Madison’s sister-in-law, Lucy Payne Washington, to Supreme Court Justice Thomas Todd in 1812.
—Brooke Migdon, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Letter writer blames sister-in-law for brother’s non-Jewish funeral plans.
—R. Eric Thomas, Washington Post, 7 May 2026
Although Caroline Kennedy wasn’t necessarily as well-known for her style as her sister-in-law Carolyn Bessette, Gummer was still aesthetically inspired by her character.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sister-in-law
Cite this Entry
“Sister-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sister-in-law. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
