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.
Brantley-Reed and her mother-in-law waited outside for nearly two hours until authorities told them that Reed had been killed, attorneys said. Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2025 Some mothers-in-law see themselves as having authority over wedding or family decisions, which can create friction if their involvement goes unchecked. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 On Instagram, Dreyer posted her comprehensive weekly calendar for her mother-in-law, who often babysits her three sons, Calvin, Oliver, and Rusty. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Jan. 2025 Gay Harden plays Turner’s mother-in-law and she’s got all sorts of tricks at her finger tips. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near mother-in-law

Cite this Entry

“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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

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