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

Lewis, who appears to be the heir apparent to Shedeur Sanders at Colorado, finished the night 17-for-27 passing for 369 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. —Grace Raynor, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

But his time in Golden State had come, and now, the team has a worthy heir apparent in their Splash Assassin-For-Hire, Buddy Hield. —Mat Issa, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024

The Prince of Wales has been the traditional title for the male heir apparent to the throne since around 1301, and Charles was thought to be the longest-serving Prince of Wales in history before his accession in September 2022. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024

And as the heir apparent to standing as the face of the Miami Heat. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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