legatee

noun

leg·​a·​tee ˌle-gə-ˈtē How to pronounce legatee (audio)
Synonyms of legateenext
: one to whom a legacy is bequeathed or a devise is given

Synonyms

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Examples of legatee in a Sentence

the couple had no children, so they declared their nephew their only legatee
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.
Trump and allies, meanwhile, often cast him as legatee of Reagan. — David Jackson, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2024 Humans, as legatees of this heritage, learn by seeing and visualizing. — Stephen Jay Gould, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legatee was in 1627

Browse Nearby Words

legate a latere
legatee
legatine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legatee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legatee. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

legatee

noun
leg·​a·​tee ˌleg-ə-ˈtē How to pronounce legatee (audio)
: a person to whom a legacy is left

Legal Definition

legatee

noun
le·​ga·​tee ˌle-gə-ˈtē How to pronounce legatee (audio)
: one to whom a legacy is bequeathed compare devisee, heir, next of kin, successor
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