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

Even my sister-in-law from Ireland, who has no interest in soccer, seems obsessed. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

And Meraz’s sister-in-law is expecting to give birth to a baby girl. — Noah Daly july 11, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2026

Her sister-in-law, in town with her brother from New York, found the spot online. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first got together, UK tabloids immediately pitted her against her future sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. — Emma Banks, InStyle, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sister-in-law

• avoirdupois
• aa
• aha
• bashaw
• bradshaw
• byelaw
• bylaw
• chainsaw
• cheraw
• coleslaw
• crenshaw
• dada

Kids Definition

sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law

ˈsis-t(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, 

-tərn-ˌlȯ

plural sisters-in-law

-tər-zən-

1

: the sister of one's spouse

2

a

: the wife of one's sibling

b

: the wife of one's spouse's sibling