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.
Her connection to Grace shows the universality of issues among women, and switches the often fraught relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law on its head. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey's son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren were killed in a helicopter crash, his campaign said Thursday. Kate Reilly, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025 The son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren of former state lawmaker Darren Bailey, who lost the 2022 gubernatorial election in Illinois and is seeking his party’s nomination again in next year’s race, were killed in the crash Wednesday. CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 If the letter had come from the son and daughter-in-law, my response would have been different. R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025 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

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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 29 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on daughter-in-law

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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