heir apparent

noun

plural heirs apparent

1

: an heir whose right to an inheritance cannot be voided or undone except by exclusion under a valid will if the heir 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

So call it a quiet, workmanlike beginning for the 13th player taken in the NFL draft, a quarterback the Rams ostensibly chose to become Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Princess Elisabeth, the 24-year-old heir apparent to the Belgian throne, graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School in May, having completed her two-year master’s degree in public policy. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

The heir apparent to the British throne bears a striking resemblance to his father in photos from the latter’s childhood. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 22 July 2026

The Rossis want to take down their rivals, the Norths, by targeting their heir apparent, Drayden, who is also Gina’s new boss. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 7 July 2026

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 also:

heir