father-in-law

noun

ˈfä-t͟hə-rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce father-in-law (audio)
-t͟hərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law ˈfä-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce father-in-law (audio)
1
: the father of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepfather

Examples of father-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.
Preserved under mud and ash in a villa believed to have been once owned by the father-in-law of Julius Caesar, the scrolls were discovered by an Italian farmer in the 18th century. Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 6 May 2025 He was reportedly moved that Cohen’s father-in-law, a Mets fan who grew up in Puerto Rico, also attended their meetings, which were held at two of Cohen’s other mansions, in Boca Raton and Beverly Hills. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025 Adding complexity to the matter is the recent news that her father-in-law plans to leave her mother-in-law — a separation that has occurred several times before but seems more final this time. Ashley Vega, People.com, 2 May 2025 So, Alice rage-texts Patty to come meet them, but her father-in-law Keith intercepts the message and arrives in Patty’s place. Claire Franken, TVLine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for father-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Father-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father-in-law. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

father-in-law

noun
fa·​ther-in-law
ˈfät͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,
ˈfȧt͟h-,
-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural fathers-in-law
ˈfät͟h-ər-zən-,
ˈfȧt͟h-
: the father of one's husband or wife

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