C1nounlawhistory
US/er/
UK/eə/
a person who has the legal right to receive money, property or a title when someone dies
In context
The king died without an heir, so his brother took the throne.
She is the sole heir to her grandfather's large farm.
Both of his heirs agreed to sell the family house.
Words that go with heir
adjective + noun
- rightful heirHe claimed to be the rightful heir to the estate.
- sole heirAs the sole heir, she received everything.
- legal heirThe legal heir must sign the documents.
- wealthy heirThe wealthy heir gave millions to the new hospital.
noun + preposition
- heir to the throneThe prince is heir to the throne.
- heir to the estateShe became the heir to the estate at twenty.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a heirCorrect: an heir
Incorrect:
heir ofCorrect: heir to