sistersinlaw

A sister-in-law is a woman who is related to someone by marriage rather than by blood. There are two common meanings: the sister of one’s spouse, and the wife of one’s sibling. In some cases, both relationships exist for a given person, making the term apply to more than one individual in a family.

Etymology and scope: The phrase “in-law” denotes a relation through marriage. A sister-in-law is not a blood relative, but a family connection formalized by marriage. The term is widely used in English, and equivalents exist in many languages to describe these kinship ties. Some families also use terms like co-sister-in-law to describe the wife of a husband’s brother, though usage varies by culture.

Cultural and social aspects: The role and perception of a sister-in-law can vary considerably across cultures and households. In some families, sisters-in-law form close, supportive relationships and participate in shared social activities; in others, relationships may be more distant or strained due to personality, rivalries, or past conflicts. The sister-in-law dynamic can influence family events, such as holidays and weddings, and may intersect with expectations about caregiving, celebrations, and household responsibilities.

Legal considerations: As a legal matter, sister-in-law relationships are generally not defined as blood relatives. Rights and obligations involving inheritance, guardianship, or certain family protections typically depend on jurisdiction and specific family circumstances, not solely on the sister-in-law connection.

See also: Brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law.