inheritor

[in-her-i-ter]

noun

1. a person who inherits; heir.

Word History and Origins

Origin of inheritor¹

First recorded in 1400–50, inheritor is from the late Middle English word enheritour, enheriter. See inherit, -or ²

Example Sentences

"It's the extraordinary story of a family who happens to be the inheritors of the biggest brewery in the world," said Knight.

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A new self-made elite has replaced the old inheritors - but access remains largely out of reach for the average middle-class Indian.

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Mrs Mbasana feels her three children are the inheritors of this legacy - particularly affecting her oldest son Lifalethu who was at a township school between the ages of six and 10.

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Withdrawals from inherited retirement accounts are usually taxable as income, and most non-spouse inheritors must drain a retirement account within 10 years.

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Still, the story of his musical exuberance and deep personal pain continued to inspire - and haunt - the inheritors of his vision.

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Related Words

• beneficiary 
• scion 
• successor