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 belonged to Jean's godmother Jeanne Baudot, a friend and student of Renoir's, who passed the painting on to her inheritors.

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Oedipus calls himself Laius’ “successor, the inheritor of his legacy,” and in true Sophoclean fashion he speaks more than he knows.

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"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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Related Words

• beneficiary 
• scion 
• successor