inheritance

noun

in·​her·​i·​tance in-ˈher-ə-tən(t)s How to pronounce inheritance (audio)
-ˈhe-rə-
Synonyms of inheritancenext
1
: something that is or may be inherited
2
a
: the act of inheriting property
b
: the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring
c
: the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations
3
a
: tradition
b
: a valuable possession that is a common heritage from nature
4
obsolete : possession

Synonyms

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Examples of inheritance in a Sentence

She began her own business with the inheritance she got from her grandfather. He left sizable inheritances to his children. The buildings are part of the city's architectural inheritance. the inheritance of an estate the inheritance of a genetic trait
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.
This unexpected inheritance has now become an issue with Sam, who recently reached out to the poster. — Ashley Vega, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Most Americans hope to leave an inheritance America's inheritance story comes with a sad twist: Most people really do want to leave something behind. — Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 Prosecution's in the case had argued the Menendez brothers murdered their parents to receive a multimillion dollar inheritance. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Prosecutors in the original case argued the brothers were motivated to receive a $14 million inheritance. — Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inheritance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enheritaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French enheritance, from enheriter "to give (a person) right of inheritance, inherit" + -ance -ance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inheritance was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing inheritance

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inheritance
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Cite this Entry

“Inheritance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inheritance. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

inheritance

noun
in·​her·​i·​tance in-ˈher-ət-ən(t)s How to pronounce inheritance (audio)
1
: the act of inheriting
2
: something that is or may be inherited

Medical Definition

inheritance

noun
in·​her·​i·​tance in-ˈher-ət-ən(t)s How to pronounce inheritance (audio)
1
: the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring
2
: all of the genetic characters or qualities transmitted from parent to offspring compare genotype sense 2, phenotype

Legal Definition

inheritance

noun
in·​her·​i·​tance in-ˈher-ə-təns How to pronounce inheritance (audio)
1
: the act of inheriting: as
a
: the acquisition of real or personal property under the laws of intestacy or sometimes by will
b
: the succession upon the death of an owner either by will or by operation of law to all the estate, rights, and liabilities of the decedent
2
a
: something that is or may be inherited
b
: something to which one is entitled as heir
increasing the son's potential inheritance under [the] will— Lesnick v. Lesnick, 577 So. 2d 856 (1991)

More from Merriam-Webster on inheritance

Nglish: Translation of inheritance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inheritance

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