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

On your sister-in-law’s birthday, her rules will govern. —Judith Martin, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

On July 16, 1999, Kennedy sat in the pilot’s seat of his single-engine plane, intending to drop off sister-in-law Lauren in Martha's Vineyard before continuing to Hyannis Port with his wife for cousin Rory Kennedy's wedding. —Erin Jensen, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026

Her sister-in-law Jaya, played by Kaberi Bose, is much more eager to hang out but just as aware as Aparna. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

Giudice has been a central character on the show since its inception in 2009, and her sister-in-law and former enemy Gorga joined the cast initially in Season 3. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 24 Mar. 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