heir
Plural
heirs
1
someone who has the legal right to inherit the property, money, or title of a deceased individual
- As the eldest son, he is the rightful heir to his father's estate.
- The lawyer contacted the heirs to inform them of their inheritance from their late aunt.
- The king's only heir to the throne is his daughter, who will succeed him as queen.
- Without a will, the deceased's assets will be distributed among their heirs according to state law.
- She was surprised to learn that she was the sole heir to her distant relative's vast fortune.
2
a person who inherits or continues the work, role, or tradition of a predecessor
- She is the heir to her mentor's scientific research.
- The young artist is considered the heir of the impressionist style.
- He became the heir of his father's publishing legacy.
- The apprentice is the heir of the master craftsman's techniques.
- The political leader sought a suitable heir to carry on the policies.
Synonyms: