daughter-in-law

noun

daugh·​ter-in-law ˈdȯ-tər-in-ˌlȯ How to pronounce daughter-in-law (audio)
ˈdȯ-tərn-
plural daughters-in-law ˈdȯ-tər-zin-ˌlȯ How to pronounce daughter-in-law (audio)
: the wife of one's son or daughter

Examples of daughter-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Susan was also gravely concerned about her daughter-in-law’s health. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 This comes after reports that King Charles could offer the Royal Lodge to his son and daughter-in-law. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026 His own son and daughter-in-law, unreachable, unaccounted for. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 Not only that, but two of his daughters-in-law were due to give birth at any moment. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daughter-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daughter-in-law was in the 14th century

Rhymes for daughter-in-law

See All Rhymes for daughter-in-law

Browse Nearby Words

daughterboard
daughter-in-law
daughterliness
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Cite this Entry

“Daughter-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daughter-in-law. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daughter-in-law

noun
daugh·​ter-in-law
ˈdȯt-ə-rən-ˌlȯ, 
-ərn-ˌlȯ
plural daughters-in-law
-ər-zən-
: the wife of one's son or daughter
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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