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

Wide Receiver, Isaac TeSlaa, Detroit Lions Getty Images TeSlaa is the heir apparent to a starting position in the Lions wide receiver room. — Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Fans have high expectations for rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, who is embracing the pressure that comes with being Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

With Swift and Kelce married and heading into the twilight of their NFL power, the heir apparent to TV face time appears to be the 27-year-old Beer. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Teonic replaces Ron Planz, who left to become the heir apparent at Barrington after seven successful seasons at Lake Zurich. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 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