inherits; inherited; inheriting
1
: to receive (money, property, etc.) from someone when that person dies
She inherited the family business from her father.
2
a
biology
: to have (a characteristic, disease, etc.) because of the genes that you get from your parents when you are born
Baldness is inherited from the mother's side of the family.
She inherited her father's deep blue eyes.
b
: to get (a personal quality, interest, etc.) because of the influence or example of your parents or other relatives
She inherited a love of baseball/cooking from her dad.
3
a
: to receive (something) from someone who had it previously
When my brother left for college, I inherited his old computer.
b
: to have to deal with (a situation, problem, etc.) when you take a job or position that someone else had before you
The company's new president will inherit some complicated legal problems.
When the coach quit, her assistant inherited a last-place team.
Cite this Entry
“Inherit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/inherit. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.
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