heir presumptive

noun

plural heirs presumptive

Definition of heir presumptive

: an heir whose legal right to an inheritance may be defeated (as by the birth of a nearer relative)

Examples of heir presumptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her older sister became the heir presumptive, and from then on Margaret's life was lived under a microscope, though one through which she was not always seen clearly. — Adam Rathe, Town & Country, "Royal Rebel: Helena Bonham Carter on The Crown and Playing Princess Margaret," 11 Nov. 2020 The heir presumptive was just 13 at the time — five years younger than the naval cadet — but quickly fell in love. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "Prince Louis's Christening Date Has a Special Meaning to the Royal Family," 20 June 2018 When William X’s only son died in 1130, Eleanor (who would have been between 6 and 8 years old) became her father’s heir presumptive, a fact that would have kicked her education into high gear. — Anne Thériault, Longreads, "Queens of Infamy: Eleanor of Aquitaine," 4 Apr. 2018 This idyllic society successfully marries scientific innovation with tribal traditions and an egalitarian ethos—during periods of royal succession, a leader from each of Wakanda’s five ethnic groups may challenge the heir presumptive for the throne. — Jonathan W. Gray, New Republic, "The Liberating Visions of Black Panther," 13 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heir presumptive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Heir presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20presumptive. Accessed 21 Apr. 2021.

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