heiress

noun

heir·​ess ˈer-əs How to pronounce heiress (audio)
Synonyms of heiressnext
: a woman who is an heir especially to great wealth

Examples of heiress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Next came a real-estate heiress, who, between sips of the Edith (a heady blend of vermouth, sherry, and rum), beckoned one of the guests to the club’s back room. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 That house has a history of unfortunate events, including the fate of Cookie, an errant heiress and her pooch. Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2026 Sampson will assume the role of CEO of The Stephens Greth Foundation, the philanthropy founded by oil heiress Lyndal Stephens Greth and her husband, Richard Greth. Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026 More recently, heiress Paris Hilton and her husband, billionaire Carter Reum, chartered an 80-foot sailing cat, proving that Sunreef really is hot. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heiress

Word History

Etymology

heir entry 1 + -ess

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heiress was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heiress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heiress. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

heiress

noun
heir·​ess ˈar-əs How to pronounce heiress (audio)
ˈer-
: a girl or woman who is an heir

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