successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: one that follows

especially : one who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Examples of successor in a Sentence

The CEO's successor used to be the vice president here.

the successor to the throne

Recent Examples on the Web

The museum, which announced his departure on November 4, did not offer details regarding his plans but affirmed that a search for a successor will begin soon. —News Desk, Artforum, 5 Nov. 2024

Look for Newsom and his successor after the 2026 election to do the same. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

Emperor Vespasian began work on the structure in 72 A.D. and his successor Titus completed it eight years later. —Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024

From Election Day to Inauguration Day, America will confront a treacherous 76 days in transferring power from President Biden to his successor — putting new stress on the political parties, the legal system and the culture. —Mike Allen, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English successour, from Anglo-French, from Latin successor, from succedere

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈses-ər 

: one that follows

especially : a person who succeeds to a throne, title, estate, or office

Legal Definition

successor

noun

suc·​ces·​sor sək-ˈse-sər 

: one that follows : one that succeeds another (as in a position, title, office, or estate)