Definition

1. Noun:
   • A brother by marriage: A man who is the brother of one's spouse, or the husband of one's sibling. This term specifically denotes a familial relationship created through marriage, not by blood.

Usage

• The term "brother-in-law" is used to refer to a specific family member connected by marriage. It is a compound noun, and its plural form is "brothers-in-law," where "brother" is pluralized, not "law."
• It is used in both formal and informal contexts when identifying or speaking about this family relationship.

Examples

• Noun:
  • My sister's husband is my brother-in-law.
  • He gets along very well with his brothers-in-law.
  • I am going to visit my brother-in-law this weekend.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used more loosely or affectionately to refer to a close friend who is considered part of the family, though this is an informal extension of its primary meaning.
  • We've been friends for 20 years; he's like a brother-in-law to me.

Variants and Related Words

• Sister-in-law (n): The female counterpart, meaning the sister of one's spouse or the wife of one's sibling.
  • Her brother's wife is her sister-in-law.
• In-law (n): A general term for any relative by marriage.
  • We are having a dinner with all the in-laws.

Synonyms

• Relative by marriage: A more general term for any non-blood family member.
• Kin by marriage: A formal synonym emphasizing the marital connection.

Notes on Meaning

• The meaning is strictly defined by the marital connection. It does not refer to a blood brother (which is simply "brother") or to a step-brother (a brother through the remarriage of a parent, which is a different relationship).
• The role and cultural expectations of a brother-in-law can vary significantly across different societies.

Noun

1. a brother by marriage