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
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.
In one case reported by Newsweek, a woman was supported for confronting her sisters-in-law for revealing their pregnancies during her birthday celebration. Matthew Impelli, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025 Like sister-in-law Debra, Amy couldn't win with her future in-laws, sparking a bond between the two over the sheer absurdity of the Barones. Kate Hogan, People.com, 16 May 2025 Her sister-in-law Stephanie O’Sullivan, 43, a clinical mental health practitioner and mother of two whose youngest child is 8, is grateful to have those early days of child care behind her, after paying for preschool costs that equaled a second mortgage for her family. Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 Their friends moved from across the city into the house next door, and a third couple, the brother and sister-in-law of Raffi’s best friend, bought another home in the row. Rhaina Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sister-in-law

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sister-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sister-in-law. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sister-in-law

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