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

: heir presumptive

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

Fast forward two years, and redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey enters into a similar heir apparent spot as Minnesota began spring ball on Thursday. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 2025

There were quite a few impressive QB performances in all-star games this spring, and the Panthers investing in an heir apparent to Dalton might be smart business. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2025

Dave Van Gorder, the former heir apparent to Johnny Bench as the Cincinnati Reds' catcher, has died. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Brown may be Valdez’s heir apparent as the Astros’ ace. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heir apparent

• aberrant
• declarant
• grandparent
• stepparent
• transparent
• errant
• parent
• semitransparent

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