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

The press had already anointed him the heir apparent to Diego Maradona; an emotional Maradona was filmed in the stands, with his arms in the air, as Messi entered the game. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 27 June 2026

An heir apparent to Draymond Green. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 June 2026

Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, 22, is the heir apparent to the Dutch throne, while Princess Elisabeth is first in the Belgian line of succession. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

The heir apparent often joins his parents for official royal events, like Monaco’s National Day and diplomatic visits. — Staff Author, InStyle, 23 June 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