rightful
Americanadjective
-
having a valid or just claim, as to some property or position; legitimate.
the rightful owner of the farm.
-
belonging or held by a valid or just claim.
one's rightful property.
-
equitable or just, as actions or a cause.
adjective
-
in accordance with what is right; proper or just
-
(prenominal) having a legally or morally just claim
the rightful owner
-
(prenominal) held by virtue of a legal or just claim
my rightful property
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of rightful
First recorded before 1150; Middle English; late Old English rihtful; see right (noun), -ful
Explanation
Something that's rightful is deserved or legitimate. If you accidentally grab someone else's coat when you leave school, you'll have to bring it back and return it to its rightful owner. You'll frequently find rightful describing the word owner: "Police were quickly able to return the puppy to its rightful owner after the hoodlum grabbed it from the back yard." Anything or anyone with a legal right to something is considered rightful, so a newly elected U.S. president takes their rightful place as leader of the country as soon as they're sworn in.
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.
After his death, Lillian fought in court with her four children, seeking what she viewed as her rightful portion of Sol’s wealth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026
It’s more probable that the financial-services company is looking for confirmation that she has died so they can begin administering her account and, if appropriate, distributing any assets to the rightful beneficiaries or heirs.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026
King Misuzulu's coronation came after a year-long family feud, with some royals arguing that he was not the rightful heir and that his father's will had been forged.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Now with “Acomodo” — which debuted at the top of both Spotify Top Albums USA and Top Global Charts across all genres — Tito Double P affirmed his rightful place in música mexicana upper echelons.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
This warm, devoted circle of people was always on the front lines of the struggle, working to ensure the rightful equilibrium of human rights—not just domestically, but globally—“by any means necessary.”
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
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.
