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

In fact, Charles was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history due to his mother's historic 70-year reign. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024

Raisi was so loyal to Khamenei that he was widely viewed as his heir apparent. —Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2024

The promotion clearly marked Pope as heir apparent to current CEO David Calhoun, the 67-year old GE veteran who’d championed her as the best choice for his successor. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 May 2024

The show follows Catherine’s journey as a teenager to meet Prince Arthur, the heir apparent of the King of England, whom she has been betrothed to as a child in a political deal that promises to bring peace between Spain and England. —Cady Lang, TIME, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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