heir apparent

noun

plural heirs 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

Examples of heir apparent in a Sentence

The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.

Recent Examples on the Web

The exhibition featured several designs, including pieces worn by Queen Mathilde, her eldest daughter and heir apparent Princess Elisabeth, as well as Queen Maxima. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025

Before Biden named Harris as his heir apparent last summer — leaving Harris a truncated 107 days to campaign — Newsom was on the radar as a potential candidate himself. —Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025

The longtime actor and multi-faceted filmmaker crafts an unhinged, go-for-broke performance as a legendary quarterback putting his potential heir apparent (Tyriq Withers) through a psychologically torturous training camp. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025

Jensen is likely the heir apparent to Perez behind the plate. —Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025

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 heir