heir apparent

[ air uh-pair-uhnt, uh-par- ]

noun

, plural heirs ap·par·ent.

1. an heir whose right is indefeasible, provided they survive their ancestor.
2. a person whose succession to a position appears certain:

   His popularity makes him the chief 's heir apparent.

heir apparent

noun

1. See heir presumptive
   property law a person whose right to succeed to certain property cannot be defeated, provided such person survives his ancestor Compare heir presumptive

Other Words From

• heir ap·par·en·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heir apparent¹

First recorded in 1325–75 Middle English

Example Sentences

By allowing him to live, Marshal avoided the shame of killing an unarmed heir-apparent.

From The Daily Beast

His mate soon gives birth to a son, Simba, and Mufasa teaches his heir apparent how to become a noble leader.

From The Daily Beast

Another factor: there is no number two, no heir apparent ready to move up.

From The Daily Beast

The introverted leader, the lady heir apparent, the dubious plans for financial success—it all matches.

From The Daily Beast

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was snubbed by heir-apparent Xi Jinping on her recent visit.

From The Daily Beast

The heir apparent and his brothers were cowering in fear, afraid to strike, yet hoping that others would strike for them.

From Project Gutenberg

The heir apparent, a boy of nine years old, is affianced to the daughter of a neighbouring king.

From Project Gutenberg

He held that he acted under the pressure of a mob, intent on rescuing Mirza Moghul, the heir apparent, and his brother and son.

From Project Gutenberg

The Asturians are a hardy, independent race, proud of giving the title to the heir-apparent of the Spanish throne.

From Project Gutenberg

Ferdinand, Prince of Asturias, and heir apparent to the throne, was a young widower of good impulses but feeble character.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• crown prince