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

He advocated for the abolition of slavery, but like many of the Founding Fathers, he also benefited from the institution and even bought and sold slaves for his in-laws.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that he was back in Mexico, living alone in an empty house that belonged to his in-laws, he and Ciau, who is a U.S. permanent resident, faced an impossible decision.

From Los Angeles Times

Starr told him where to find the keys to their safe, which held about $3,000 in cash belonging to her in-laws, who’d been displaced by the Palisades fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking from his in-laws home, Ben Armstrong, 38, has recalled the moment he and his wife, Lucy, 37, rounded up their three-year-old son, their three dogs and some belongings, and fled their home.

From BBC

Her in-laws have installed metal sheet grates over theirs, marking a “huge cost” for mitigation.

From Los Angeles Times