brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ 

ˈbrət͟h-rən-,

ˈbrə-t͟hərn-

plural brothers-in-law ˈbrə-t͟hərz-ən- 

1

: the brother of one's spouse

2

a

: the husband of one's sibling

b

: the husband of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of brother-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kylie also reflected in the podcast on learning about the budding romance between her brother-in-law and the pop sensation. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

One day my brother-in-law took me on a hike in the East Bay, in an effort to take my mind off things. —Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025

Schefter reported recently that the Giants were hiring former Jaguars and Bills receivers coach Chad Hall, who just so happens to be Stafford’s brother-in-law. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025

So Karen planned a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with Anthony’s sister and brother-in-law. —Korin Miller, SELF, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

brother-in-law

noun

broth·​er-in-law

ˈbrət͟h-(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,

ˈbrət͟h-ərn-ˌlȯ

plural brothers-in-law

ˈbrət͟h-ər-zən-

1

: the brother of one's spouse

2

: the husband of one's sibling or of one's spouse's sibling