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 exhibit included a quartet of dresses, which included pieces that had been recently worn by Queen Mathilde of Belgium, her eldest daughter and heir apparent Princess Elisabeth, as well as Queen Maxima. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026

His clients at the security firm had designated the judge as the heir apparent to Moïse after abandoning a South Florida pastor in his months-long quest for the presidency. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

The Niners have been noticeably reluctant to draft heirs apparent for their future Hall of Famers under Shanahan and Lynch. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2026

With Stafford’s future seemingly uncertain after next season, the Rams got a jump on their heir apparent in Simpson. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 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