brother-in-law

American  

[bruhth-er-in-law] / ˈbrʌð ər ɪnˌlɔ /

noun

plural

brothers-in-law

1. the brother of one's spouse.

2. the husband of one's sister or brother.

3. the husband of one's spouse's sister or brother.

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brother-in-law British  

noun

1. the brother of one's wife or husband

2. the husband of one's sister

3. the husband of the sister of one's husband or wife

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Etymology

Origin of brother-in-law

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English brother in law(e); brother, in, law ¹; from Middle English in-lawe “in law,” i.e., “a person within the regulation and protection of the law,” based on the prohibition by Roman civil law and, later, Christian canon law, of marriages within four degrees of consanguinity, i.e., up to and including first cousins

Example Sentences

It then emerged that Vorcaro's brother-in-law, who is also under investigation, had purchased part of a resort in 2021 from Dias Toffoli's brothers, through a management company also under suspicion in the Master case.

From Barron's

The overtones of Roman sculpture probably owe something to Bellini’s close relationship with his brother-in-law Andrea Mantegna, known for sharply drawn images, informed by his study of antiquity.

From The Wall Street Journal

During this process, my brother-in-law and his wife changed their minds about selling the house and decided they wanted to keep it and live in it instead.

From MarketWatch

A man whose brother-in-law has been jailed for more than five years cautioned: "You have to stay calm and patient" while waiting for the prisoners to be released.

From Barron's

Each year on the first night of Hanukkah, Goldstein waits for a call from his brother-in-law where they wish each other well on the holiday and chat about their respective lighting ceremonies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aunt
• cousin
• father
• folk
• mother
• niece
• sibling
• uncle