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

In speeches, the would-be heir apparent to Trump, who would be 82 years old at the end of a second term, has framed his positions as distinct from the peace-through-strength notion of U.S. foreign policy that has dominated Republican thinking for decades. —Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 16 July 2024

Obviously, Djokovic brings literally decades of experience as arguably the greatest player ever to the table, while Alcaraz is out of central casting as his heir apparent. —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 12 July 2024

Today, with the debut of Todd Snyder Collection, the Ralph Lauren alum (often mentioned as the heir apparent to his former boss) further signals his plans for the future. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 9 July 2024

Her eldest, Janney Marin, known as Chiquis, had long been her heir apparent. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 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