heir apparent
Americannoun
plural
heirs apparent-
an heir whose right is indefeasible, provided they survive their ancestor.
-
a person whose succession to a position appears certain.
His popularity makes him the chief 's heir apparent.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of heir apparent
First recorded in 1325–75 Middle English
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Heir apparent Myles Brennan was a highly regarded recruit who has waited three years for his chance.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2020
Heir apparent, daughter Marsha Shields, is deeply involved in the business.
From Forbes • Sep. 29, 2014
Heir apparent to Rayburn, leader of the New England Democratic bloc, grey, sharp-featured John McCormack is, in his own words, his party's "field general."
From Time Magazine Archive
Heir apparent is blond young Henry Melvale, nephew of Samuel, Lord Melvale, banking power in the City of London.
From Time Magazine Archive
We often read of some Duke, who is called eldest Son and Heir apparent to a Viscount or Baron, going to, or returning from his Travels.
From The Tricks of the Town: or, Ways and Means of getting Money by Thomson, John, fl. 1732
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
