mother-in-law

noun

moth·​er-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
ˈmət͟h-rən-, 
ˈmə-t͟hərn-
plural mothers-in-law ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce mother-in-law (audio)
1
: the mother of one's spouse
2
archaic : stepmother

Examples of mother-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.
Like, my mother-in-law is Cuban. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 The Princess of Wales loves her sapphires, just like her mother-in-law did! — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 26 June 2026 His mother-in-law is battling Alzheimer's disease. — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 21 June 2026 Today, my children lost their father, my mother-in-law lost her son, my siblings lost their brother. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for mother-in-law

See All Rhymes for mother-in-law

Browse Nearby Words

Mothering Sunday
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Cite this Entry

“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mother-in-law

noun
moth·​er-in-law
ˈmət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, 
ˈmət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural mothers-in-law
ˈmət͟h-ər-zən-
: the mother of one's husband or wife

More from Merriam-Webster on mother-in-law

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

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