sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
1
: the sister of one's spouse
2
a
: the wife of one's sibling
b
: the wife of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of sister-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.
Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, called on the board to continue holding Smith inside the hospital. Landon Mion, Fox News, 23 Feb. 2025 Additionally, Gonzalez’s sister-in-law, Talitha Frazier, attended the hearing and voiced concerns on behalf of the victim’s family. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025 Trowbridge is survived by his mother Mary Lou Trowbridge and sister and brother-in-law Tracy Trowbridge Newman and Stan Newman and their sons Ben and Hunter, his nephew Taylor Trowbridge, Taylor’s wife Diana Trowbridge, and his sister-in-law Karen Trowbridge. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2025 The institute argues that the work was not looted, but remained in Grünbaum’s family until it was sold to the art dealer Eberhard Kornfeld by Grünbaum’s sister-in-law, Mathilde Lukacs, in 1956. Catherine Hickley, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sister-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sister-in-law was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Sister-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sister-in-law. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

sister-in-law

noun
sis·​ter-in-law
ˈsis-t(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ,
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law
-tər-zən-
1
: the sister of one's spouse
2
a
: the wife of one's sibling
b
: the wife of one's spouse's sibling

More from Merriam-Webster on sister-in-law

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