parent-in-law

American  

[pair-uhnt-in-law, par-] / ˈpɛər ənt ɪnˌlɔ, ˈpær- /

noun

parents-in-law plural

1. the father or mother of one's spouse.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• parents-in-law
  plural

Etymology

Origin of parent-in-law

First recorded in 1850–55: see origin at parent, in, law ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

parent-in-law parents-in-law

The reduced, fine sister-in-law, with no desire to care for an aged parent-in-law, counseled: "Lucy, whatever you do, don't marry and break up the home!"

From The Tobacco Tiller A Tale of the Kentucky Tobacco Fields by Hackley, Sarah Bell

Your Peggy will protect you, an' your footure parent-in-law himse'f acquits you of everything except bein' an eediot.

From Faro Nell and Her Friends Wolfville Stories by Dunton, W. Herbert

But you won’t mind my saying you are about the most imprudent parent-in-law elect I ever heard or read of.”

From Forging the Blades A Tale of the Zulu Rebellion by Mitford, Bertram

Roxanne lived in a double-wide trailer with her husband, plus her parents-in-law and brother-in-law.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2026

Mr Yousaf also spoke of the weeks that his parents-in-law were under siege in Gaza after the conflict broke out in October.

From BBC ● Jan. 18, 2024

So, if you want to keep the peace at the next family gathering with your parents-in-law, better go for the boring period!

From Washington Post ● Mar. 17, 2023

But do not threaten to withhold your grandchild from your parents-in-law over the dog.

From Slate ● Jan. 5, 2023

I went home to my parents-in-law and husband and son.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston