sister-in-law

noun

sis·​ter-in-law ˈsi-st(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law ˈsi-stər-zən-ˌlȯ How to pronounce sister-in-law (audio)
1
: the sister of one's spouse
2
a
: the wife of one's sibling
b
: the wife of one's spouse's sibling

Examples of sister-in-law in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Technology’s impact on the shrinking media landscape inspired The Devil Wears Prada 2, which reunited Tucci with costars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and his real-life sister-in-law Emily Blunt. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 Snell wanted the Dashwoods to dress as if no whole costume team is coordinating things behind them — though haughty sister-in-law Fanny (Stacy Martin) is another matter. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026 Survivors include his sister-in-law, Gertrude; his nieces, Diane and Tina; and his nephew, Peter. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 Cabello-Ynocente's sister-in-law stated that Farfan-Cabello suffers from schizophrenia and that the family was devastated to learn what happened. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sister-in-law

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sister-in-law was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sister-in-law

See All Rhymes for sister-in-law

Browse Nearby Words

sistering
sister-in-law
sister keelson
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Cite this Entry

“Sister-in-law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sister-in-law. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sister-in-law

noun
sis·​ter-in-law
ˈsis-t(ə-)rən-ˌlȯ, 
-tərn-ˌlȯ
plural sisters-in-law
-tər-zən-
1
: the sister of one's spouse
2
a
: the wife of one's sibling
b
: the wife of one's spouse's sibling
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