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

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Etymology

Origin of parent-in-law

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

parent-in-law parents-in-law

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 Bertram Mitford

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 W. Herbert Dunton

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 Sarah Bell Hackley

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

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2026

Humza Yousaf has described as "bittersweet" the return of his parents-in-law after four weeks of being under siege in Gaza.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2023

My mother, parents-in-law and siblings still call it home.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 19, 2023

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

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

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

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