What Do You Call Your Wife’s Sister’s Husband?

The husband of your wife’s sister is commonly referred to as your brother-in-law. In English, the term “brother-in-law” is used broadly to describe various male relatives connected through marriage, including your spouse’s siblings and their spouses.

Understanding the Term “Brother-in-Law”

In family relationship terminology, “in-law” signifies a relationship that comes through marriage rather than blood. This means that your wife’s sister’s husband holds the same title—brother-in-law—as your wife’s brother or your own sister’s husband.

Variations and Cultural Differences

While “brother-in-law” is standard in English, many cultures use distinct terms for specific relationships. However, in English-speaking countries, one term often covers several relationships:

• Your spouse’s brother = Brother-in-law
• Your sibling’s husband = Brother-in-law
• Your spouse’s sister’s husband = Brother-in-law

This can sometimes lead to confusion, but context usually clarifies the relationship being discussed.

Examples in Use

Here are a few ways you might refer to your wife’s sister’s husband in conversation:

• “My brother-in-law is visiting this weekend.”
• “My wife’s sister and her husband just had a baby.”
• “We went on vacation with my brother-in-law and his family.”

Other In-Law Relationships

Relationship	Common Term
Your spouse’s brother	Brother-in-law
Your spouse’s sister	Sister-in-law
Your sibling’s spouse	Brother-in-law or Sister-in-law
Your child’s spouse	Son-in-law or Daughter-in-law

Conclusion

The correct term for your wife’s sister’s husband is brother-in-law. Though English doesn’t distinguish between different types of brothers-in-law, understanding the context usually makes the relationship clear.

FAQ