heir

[er]

heir Definition

a person who has the legal right to receive someone's property, money, or title when that person dies.

Using heir: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heir" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The prince is the heir to the throne.

  • Example

    She is the sole heir to her father's fortune.

  • Example

    The company's new CEO is the heir to the previous CEO's legacy.

heir Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with heir

  • a person who is expected to inherit a position, title, or property

    Example

    The king's son is the heir apparent to the throne.

  • a person who is expected to inherit a position, title, or property if the current holder dies without a closer heir

    Example

    The king's brother is the heir presumptive to the throne.

  • heir-at-law

    a person who inherits property according to the laws of intestacy

    Example

    Since the deceased had no will, his brother became his heir-at-law.

Origins of heir

from Old French 'eir', from Latin 'heres'

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Summary: heir in Brief

The term 'heir' [er] refers to a person who has the legal right to receive someone's property, money, or title when that person dies. It includes phrases like 'heir apparent,' denoting the expected inheritor of a position or title, and 'heir-at-law,' referring to the legal inheritor of property in the absence of a will.

How do native speakers use this expression?