heiress

[ air-is ]

noun

1. a woman who inherits or has a right of inheritance, especially a woman who has inherited or will inherit considerable wealth.

heiress

/ ˈɛərɪs /

noun

1. a woman who inherits or expects to inherit great wealth
2. property law a female heir

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heiress¹

First recorded in 1650–60; heir + -ess

Example Sentences

He diligently befriended Cordelia Scaife May, an heiress to Andrew Mellon’s fortunes who funded forest preservation across Pennsylvania and believed in curtailing population growth, endearing himself to her with gauzy appeals.

From Salon

“Always loved your dad so much, he was so kind, fun and full of love & happiness☺️ Such an icon and legend. I’m sending so much love to you and your family.❤️ love you,” wrote heiress Paris Hilton.

From Los Angeles Times

Simonyi eventually told Stewart that he was getting married to Lisa Persdotter, a Swedish millionaire heiress 32 years his junior.

From Salon

Grove got crafty by looping in celebrity hotel heiress Paris Hilton as the face of Senate Bill 1043.

From Los Angeles Times

Delvey's casting on the show was the subject of considerable controversy, given that the 33-year-old was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison in 2019 for posing as a German heiress and defrauding wealthy individuals, banks and hotels of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

From Salon

Related Words

• holder
• landowner
• partner
• proprietor