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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The president later named Vice President JD Vance his likely heir apparent while also proposing Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio team up for a future Republican ticket. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2025 While Kim's position as third-generation supreme leader affords him unquestioned command over the country, reports indicated he was forced to fight for this status, having been named heir apparent only a year before his father's death. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 Those found guilty of criticizing, insulting, defaming or threatening the king, queen, or heir apparent can be jailed for between three and 15 years for each count, with some sentences stretching to 50 years. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 The best response to the disastrous news is to call up Painter, a blue-chip prospect whom team officials have envisioned as Wheeler’s heir apparent. Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20apparent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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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