heirs
word · lemma: heir
Definition
People who have the legal right to receive the property, money, or title of someone who has died. Sometimes used more generally for people who will continue someone’s work or position.
Usage & Nuances
'Heirs' is formal/legal, most commonly used in wills and inheritance contexts. 'Sole heir' means the only person to inherit. Sometimes used metaphorically for successors in non-family contexts. Do not confuse with 'heiress,' which is specifically a female heir.
Example Sentences
The king's heirs will receive the crown.
basic
After their father died, the children became his heirs.
basic
The lawyer read the will to the heirs.
basic
Only two heirs showed up for the meeting about the old house.
natural
People called them the heirs to the family’s business empire.
natural
She was shocked to learn she was one of the main heirs.
natural