brother-in-law

[ bruhth-er-in-law ]

See synonyms for brother-in-law on Thesaurus.com

noun,plural broth·ers-in-law.

the brother of one's spouse.
the husband of one's sister or brother.

the husband of one's spouse's sister or brother.

Origin of brother-in-law

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English brother in law(e); see origin at brother, in, law¹; from Middle English in-lawe “in law,” i.e., “a person within the regulation and protection of the law,” based on the prohibition by Roman civil law and, later, Christian canon law, of marriages within four degrees of consanguinity, i.e., up to and including first cousins

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use brother-in-law in a sentence

My brothers-in-law and my sisters-in-law have been really supportive, and have actually been a part of it.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Carlton Gebbia Really Practices Witchcraft | Erin Cunningham | October 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
I cling to my family members for support—my brothers-in-law and nephews who swear to me that they love Sex and the City.
Can a Straight Man Love Sex and the City? | Michael Patrick King | May 23, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
One of her brothers-in-law was disqualified, for he had been hurt while doing his one year military service.
Ways of War and Peace | Delia Austrian
And from 102 the marriage arose a friendship betwixt the brothers-in-law, and betwixt them and Earl Eirik Hakonson.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade) | Snorri Sturluson
There came also to him his brothers-in-law Hyrning and Thorgeir, each steering a large ship.
The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade) | Snorri Sturluson

My two brothers-in-law might sit for a picture of the contrast.'
The Heir of Redclyffe | Charlotte M. Yonge
The King thought over the matter for quite a while, and at last sent for one of his numerous brothers-in-law.
Dry Fish and Wet | Anthon Bernhard Elias Nilsen

British Dictionary definitions for brother-in-law

brother-in-law

nounplural brothers-in-law

the brother of one's wife or husband
the husband of one's sister

the husband of the sister of one's husband or wife

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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