plural heirs apparent
Definition of heir 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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quizName that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quizTrue or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quizSCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share heir apparent
Time Traveler for heir apparent
The first known use of heir apparent was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century