son-in-law

noun

ˈsən-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce son-in-law (audio)
plural sons-in-law
: the husband of one's daughter or son

Examples of son-in-law in a Sentence

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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.
Here's how the primaries in those key districts — as well as an open seat in the 7th Congressional District, where the son-in-law of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is vying to win — are shaping up. — Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Even though Michael Alfonso, son-in-law of Transportation Sec. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The president has picked favorites in South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Minnesota — helping a senator’s sister (turned senator herself), a Cabinet member’s son-in-law, and a very loyal supporter — but didn’t clear the field. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 It is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal and a former shareholder in Championship club Queens Park Rangers, in the second tier of the English football league system. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Aug. 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

Rhymes for son-in-law

See All Rhymes for son-in-law

Browse Nearby Words

sonification
son-in-law
sonless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Son-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/son-in-law. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

son-in-law

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

More from Merriam-Webster on son-in-law

Nglish: Translation of son-in-law for Spanish Speakers

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