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
Synonyms for heir
Phrases with heir
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'
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.
