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.
There’s enough separation in the home to allow privacy, but the grandparents' proximity has strengthened the family’s bonds, with the household gathering three to four nights a week to enjoy a meal from his mother-in-law, a retired chef. Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025 Shoham, who also has Austrian citizenship, was taken along with his wife, Adi Shoham; his daughter, Yahel, 3; son, Naveh, 8; mother-in-law, Shoshan Haran; his wife’s aunt, Sharon Avigdori; and her daughter, Noam, 12. Associated Press, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025 The relationships between the family members is so real at times, and who but Marie captures the quintessential mother-in-law! Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025 The bride's friend, Bex, deconstructed her own wedding dress for her first look before switching into a vintage '60s mint-blue taffeta dress that was gifted to her by her mother-in-law, accessorized by a lampshade headpiece that lit up. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 21 Feb. 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

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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 27 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

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