noun
heir
AIR/er/
Someone entitled to take over what another person leaves behind.
The heir receives a house key from the estate's legal representative.
Etymology
Latin hērēs names the person entitled to inherit. The same ancestor underlies heredity, connecting legal inheritance of property with the passing of traits from parents to offspring.
In context
the husband died first. And statistically, given the dangers of warfare, accidents, and occupational hazards, he often did. The wife needed support. But the husband's heir, usually his son, also had legitimate claims to the property
More examples
- Her will names her nephew as her sole heir.
- The heirs divide their father's property equally.
- Many regard the young composer as the heir to her teacher's musical legacy.
Forms
heir · heirs
heiress noun — A woman entitled to inherit another person's property.
Similar words
- beneficiary
- Receives benefits from a will, trust, or insurance policy.
- successor
- Takes over a position or role, not necessarily property.