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

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

If picked, Louis could be the heir apparent behind captain and starting inside linebacker Robert Spillane. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Hathaway, then 18, starred as Mia Thermopolis — an awkward American teen who learns she is the heir apparent of a small European kingdom — opposite Julie Andrews. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

But with Bain off the board, the Chiefs decide to find Travis Kelce’s heir apparent in Sadiq. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 21 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