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

Following Huvane’s death by suicide in 2022, the show is produced by his former sister-in-law Ruth-Ann Huvane, a mental health advocate and NAMI National Board Member; and Tony Montenieri, executive producer of Lotus Productions. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Livia’s sister-in-law invokes the poem when Livia learns, to her surprise, that her manipulative, abusive mother had been a frustrated musician. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Emmanuel Banuelos spent weeks planning the perfect proposal, selecting a picturesque spot at a Laguna Beach park, enlisting his soon-to-be sister-in-law as a videographer and booking a mariachi band to play his girlfriend’s favorite music. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Giuffre’s brother, Sky Roberts, and her sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, targeted Crank in a new ad released by Jessica Killin, who is running to replace the Republican congressman. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 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