heir apparent

noun

plural heirs apparent
1
: an heir whose right to an inheritance is indefeasible except by exclusion under a valid will if he or she survives the ancestor
2
3
: one whose succession especially to a position or role appears certain under existing circumstances

Examples of heir apparent in a Sentence

The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
He had long been seen as the heir apparent to Hong Kong’s third richest family, which has businesses spanning industries from real estate and jewelry to energy and media. Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 In their wake, Dublin quartet U2 emerged as their heir apparent, with their socially conscious 1987 album The Joshua Tree becoming one of the most celebrated of the decade. Spin Staff, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024 Where does that leave Eason who was presumed to be the heir apparent to Brooks? Rahat Huq, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 His elder sister, Princess Victoria, 47, is the heir apparent. Erin Hill, Peoplemag, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heir apparent 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heir apparent was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near heir apparent

Cite this Entry

“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20apparent. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

heir apparent

noun
plural heirs apparent
: an heir whose right to succeed (as to a throne) cannot be taken away if he or she outlives the present holder

Legal Definition

heir apparent

see heir

More from Merriam-Webster on heir apparent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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