heir apparent noun
plural heirs apparent [count] 1 : an heir whose right to receive money, property, or a title cannot be taken away
▪ The Prince of Wales is (the) heir apparent to the throne of England. 2 : a person who is very likely to have a job or position after the person who has it now leaves
▪ The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.
▪ The Prince of Wales is (the) heir apparent to the throne of England.
▪ The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.
