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 Streep came on the show that season as the mother-in-law of one of the main characters. Adrienne Davis, Journal Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2024 Kylie Kelce Shares Inside Look at 3 Glam Outfit Changes During Milan Fashion Week: 'No Business Being' Here In November, Kelce hosted a youth field hockey camp in Kansas City with the help of her mother-in-law, Donna Kelce. Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Yet something seems a little off about her mother-in-law, the current queen — played by Robin Wright, who knows a few things about princess brides. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Mar. 2024 However, some utterly inappropriate comments from her mother-in-law have taken a completely avoidable emotional toll on the family—including a 6-year-old girl. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 But will Clay's mother actually become AD's mother-in-law? Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2024 Their plans kept changing (the bride was under a bit of pressure from her future mother-in-law), and the wedding was eventually held at a larger venue with 50 guests from both sides of the family, many of whom traveled to be there. Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 Their plans kept changing (the bride was under a bit of pressure from her future mother-in-law), and the wedding was eventually held at a larger venue with 50 guests, many of whom traveled to be there. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Wright plays Elodie’s evil mother-in-law, Queen Isabelle. Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mother-in-law.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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