mother-in-law
noun
moth·er-in-law
ˈmə-t͟hər-ən-ˌlȯ 
ˈmət͟h-rən-,
ˈmə-t͟hərn-
plural mothers-in-law
ˈmə-t͟hər-zən-ˌlȯ
1
: the mother of one's spouse
2
archaic
: stepmother
Examples of mother-in-law in a Sentence
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There’s something for everyone on this list—not just mothers, but mothers-in-law, grandmothers, and anyone who has had a hand (and heart) in bringing you up.
—
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Slain beauty queen’s mother-in-law arrested after execution-style killing, manhunt.
—FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Then again, my mother-in-law still vacations with my husband’s ex, so maybe my boundaries are all screwy.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
Over the last few years, wearing the Cullinan V diamond has become Camilla’s favorite way to honor the memory of her mother-in-law.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026
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Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Slain beauty queen’s mother-in-law arrested after execution-style killing, manhunt.
—FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Then again, my mother-in-law still vacations with my husband’s ex, so maybe my boundaries are all screwy.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
Over the last few years, wearing the Cullinan V diamond has become Camilla’s favorite way to honor the memory of her mother-in-law.
—Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mother-in-law
Cite this Entry
“Mother-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mother-in-law. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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