heir presumptive

noun

plural heirs presumptive
: an heir whose legal right to an inheritance may be defeated (as by the birth of a nearer relative)

Examples of heir presumptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Naruhito only has three heirs: his younger brother and heir presumptive Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (58); his 17-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito; and his paternal uncle Prince Hitachi (88). — Harriet Marsden, The Week Uk, theweek, 1 May 2024 Did the two boys—Edward, the heir presumptive, and his younger brother, Richard—survive their confinement in the tower, which was precipitated by Richard III’s usurpation of the throne? — John Anderson, WSJ, 21 Nov. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1737, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heir presumptive was circa 1737

Rhymes for heir presumptive

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Browse Nearby Words

heir portioner
heir presumptive
heir whatsoever
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Cite this Entry

“Heir presumptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20presumptive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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Legal Definition

heir presumptive

see heir

More from Merriam-Webster on heir presumptive

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heir presumptive

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