heir apparent
Definition of heir apparent
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
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Examples of heir apparent in a Sentence
The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.
First Known Use of heir apparent
14th century
HEIR APPARENT Defined for English Language Learners
heir apparent
Definition of heir apparent for English Language Learners
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: an heir whose right to receive money, property, or a title cannot be taken away
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: a person who is very likely to have a job or position after the person who has it now leaves
Law Dictionary
Learn More about heir apparent
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heir apparent
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