heir presumptive

American  

noun

plural

heirs presumptive

1. a person who is expected to be the heir but whose expectations may be canceled by the birth of a nearer heir.

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heir presumptive British  

noun

1. property law a person who expects to succeed to an estate but whose right may be defeated by the birth of one nearer in blood to the ancestor Compare heir apparent

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Etymology

Origin of heir presumptive

First recorded in 1620–30

Compare meaning

How does heir-presumptive compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• heir apparent vs. heir presumptive

Example Sentences

Spain's Princess Leonor, the heir presumptive to Spain's throne and anticipated future commander-in-chief of its armed forces, began three years of military training on Thursday, expressing a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

From Reuters

Spain's Princess Leonor, the heir presumptive to Spain's throne and anticipated future commander-in-chief of its armed forces, began three years of military training on Thursday, expressing a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

From Reuters

Spain's Princess Leonor, the heir presumptive to Spain's throne and anticipated future commander-in-chief of its armed forces, began three years of military training on Thursday, expressing a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

From Reuters

Spain's Princess Leonor, the heir presumptive to Spain's throne and anticipated future commander-in-chief of its armed forces, began three years of military training on Thursday, expressing a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

From Reuters

Spain's Princess Leonor, the heir presumptive to Spain's throne and anticipated future commander-in-chief of its armed forces, began three years of military training on Thursday, expressing a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

From Reuters