sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
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 Perhaps this sister-in-law can be assigned a role in the wedding (other than bridesmaid). Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 24 Sep. 2023 Vinnie asked Susan Dickinson, her sister-in-law, to help sort the verse for possible publication. Martha Ackmann, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2023 Though Holly was being a trouper with just her mom in South Africa for her nuptials, the soon-to-be sister-in-law was considerate of Holly’s underlying emotions. Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2023 Fernandez’s sister set up a GoFundMe page to pay for her brother and sister-in-law’s funeral costs. Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023 In that case, the attorney for London art dealer of Richard Nagy said Nagy was the rightful owner of the works because Grünbaum’s sister-in-law, Mathilde Lukacs, had sold them after his death. Karen Matthews, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2023 Kessel is the sister-in-law of Phil Kessel, the former Bruins first-round pick (fifth overall) in 2006 who has gone on to win three Stanley Cups, two in Pittsburgh (2016 and 2017) and his latest in June with the Vegas Golden Knights. Emma Healy, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2023 Four family members lost their jobs, including Heydari and a sister-in-law who was fired as a nurse after being asked about Javad’s role in the protests. Nilo Tabrizy, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 In that case, the attorney for London art dealer of Richard Nagy said Nagy was the rightful owner of the works because Grünbaum's sister-in-law, Mathilde Lukacs, had sold them after his death. CBS News, 14 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sister-in-law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sister-in-law was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near 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 2 Oct. 2023.

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 brother
b
: the wife of one's spouse's brother

More from Merriam-Webster on sister-in-law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!