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

Advertisement Even before Biden’s stumbles, Harris, like other vice presidents, was viewed as a potential heir apparent, given her visibility on the national stage and her party’s support. —Courtney Subramanian, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2024

Harris, who could have been positioned as Biden’s heir apparent, was not widely seen as a viable candidate. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 5 July 2024

King Charles also made his eldest son the Prince of Wales, the traditional title for the male heir apparent to the English throne since around 1301. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 3 July 2024

Before this year’s White House Correspondents dinner, the chairman of the Daily Mail and General Trust Lord Rothermere, his son and heir apparent Vere Harmsworth also visited the company’s Astor Place offices and were told about the systemic problems. —Lachlan Cartwright, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 June 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