in-law

[ in-law ]

noun

1. a relative by marriage.

in-law

noun

1. a relative by marriage

adjective

1. postpositive; in combination related by marriage

   a father-in-law

Word History and Origins

Origin of in-law¹

First recorded in 1890–95; back formation from mother-in-law, brother-in-law, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of in-law¹

C19: back formation from father-in-law, etc

Example Sentences

This is a guy who has his son-in-law clean his eyeglasses, for crying out loud.

From The Daily Beast

Earl Spencer adds, “Effectively, my great-grandfather sold his children to his father-in-law.”

From The Daily Beast

Just a week after her divorce, she was invited to a wedding by her sister-in-law.

From The Daily Beast

In the video, Solange smacks and kicks her brother-in-law while Beyonce DOESN'T EVEN FLINCH.

From The Daily Beast

Your sister-in-law is kinder and truly taken aback that you look “so healthy!”

From The Daily Beast

Their jurisdictions overlapped and the Gascon would play second fiddle to no one save to his great brother-in-law.

From Project Gutenberg

But the novel disappeared under the clothes with amazing celerity as the voice of her sister-in-law demanded admission.

From Project Gutenberg

Her sister-in-law pointed out to her that old Mr. Warrender had been very attentive lately.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, she was in the house when my father-in-law went on the visit and the girl came away with him.

From Project Gutenberg

It was on the tip of the girls tongue to tell her mother of the visit of Mr. Prentices sister-in-law the evening before.

From Project Gutenberg