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

When Pugh joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova, she was introduced as the heir apparent to Scarlett Johansson’s outgoing Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2025

In 2023 the Rams drafted Stetson Bennett in the fourth round, but the third-year pro is not regarded as the heir apparent. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

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

Green is the heir apparent to Charles Barkley. —Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 8 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