heir apparent
Americannoun
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an heir whose right is indefeasible, provided they survive their ancestor.
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a person whose succession to a position appears certain.
His popularity makes him the chief 's heir apparent.
noun
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Derived 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.
Saddam Haftar, widely seen as his heir apparent, serves as deputy commander of the LNA, while another son, Khaled, is chief of staff.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
Ty Simpson is hoping to learn everything he can from Rams star Matthew Stafford as the reigning MVP’s heir apparent at quarterback for the Rams.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
Instead of adding a player who could be an immediate contributor to their Super Bowl aspirations, the Rams drafted Matthew Stafford heir apparent Ty Simpson.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
He revolutionized the company’s operations, emerged as the heir apparent to Jobs and officially took over as CEO in August 2011.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
The new heir apparent soon had an opportunity to endear himself to the Athenians.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
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.
