mother-in-law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal and Informal. The term is standard and official but widely used in everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mother-in-law” mean?
The mother of one's spouse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mother of one's spouse.
A woman who is the mother of the person one is married to; a title denoting a familial relationship created by marriage rather than blood. The term can sometimes be used humorously or stereotypically to reference a potentially difficult familial relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling (hyphenation) is identical. British English may be slightly more likely to use the abbreviated, informal "MIL" in written texts (e.g., texting, forums).
Connotations
Similar cultural stereotypes and humour exist in both varieties. The term is neutral in official use but can carry loaded connotations in casual conversation.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “mother-in-law” in a Sentence
[Possessive Pronoun] + mother-in-law + [Verb]The mother-in-law of [Person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mother-in-law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She's been mother-in-lawed by her daughter's partner's family.
adjective
British English
- Their mother-in-law relationship is quite strained.
American English
- They're dealing with some classic mother-in-law drama.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts discussing family leave policies or legal documents pertaining to familial relationships.
Academic
Used in sociology, anthropology, and legal studies when discussing kinship systems and family structures.
Everyday
Very common in personal and social discussions about family.
Technical
Used in legal documents (wills, visas, benefits forms) to specify familial relationships precisely.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mother-in-law”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mother-in-law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mother-in-law”
- Incorrect plural: 'mother-in-laws' (correct: mothers-in-law).
- Misspelling: 'mother in law' (should be hyphenated).
- Confusing with 'stepmother'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is gender-neutral regarding the child-in-law. A mother-in-law can be the mother of one's husband or one's wife.
A stepmother is married to your father but is not your biological mother. A mother-in-law is the mother of the person you are married to.
In compound nouns where the key noun ('mother') is modified by a prepositional phrase ('in-law'), the plural is formed on the key noun: mothers-in-law, passers-by, attorneys general.
No, it is the standard, correct term. However, like any familial label, its perceived politeness depends entirely on tone and context. Many people use it affectionately.
The mother of one's spouse.
Mother-in-law is usually formal and informal. the term is standard and official but widely used in everyday contexts. in register.
Mother-in-law: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmʌðər ɪn lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmʌðər ɪn lɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mother-in-law apartment (US)/annexe (UK): a separate living area for a parent.”
- “The mother-in-law joke: a stereotypical joke about a difficult mother-in-law.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The law (marriage) makes her your mother. She is your mother 'in the eyes of the law'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAMILY IS A LEGAL CONTRACT (the 'in-law' suffix conceptualizes kinship through legal bond).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form?