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

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.
Her father-in-law, King Charles, was also treated at the private hospital in central London. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Natalie’s politician father-in-law, Doug, only seems to invoke his faith for aesthetics, to flavor his political ambitions to his constituents’ liking. — Kyley Sitton, Washington Post, 18 June 2026 Preserved under mud and ash in a villa believed to have once been owned by the father-in-law of Julius Caesar, the scrolls were discovered by an Italian farmer in the 18th century. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 26 June 2026 On what would have been the elder Barbara Bush’s birthday, Laura posted a throwback photo that featured her late mother- and father-in-law with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Maine. — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 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

Rhymes for father-in-law

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Browse Nearby Words

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father-in-law
fatherland
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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 9 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on father-in-law

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

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