plural sons-in-law
: the husband of one's daughter or son

Examples of son-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.
The son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is on track to become the youngest member of Congress at 26 years old and the first person born in the 2000s to serve in Congress. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 29 Oct. 2026 Taylor’s son-in-law also raises cattle on the land, adding to the diversity. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 In 1952 the Warrens founded the New England Society for Psychic Research, which came to be run by their son-in-law Tony Spera. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Oct. 2026 In 2006 her daughter Emilia and son-in-law Michael Wright were killed in a car accident. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for son-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of son-in-law was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Son-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/son-in-law. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

son-in-law

noun
ˈsən-ən-ˌlȯ
plural sons-in-law
ˈsən-zən-
: the husband of one's daughter or son
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