Search Dictionary
Definition of heiress

heiress

/ˈɛr.əs/
heir · ess
Plural:heiresses
JUMP TO:

heiress Lexical Profile

heiress Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A woman or girl who is legally entitled to inherit or has inherited a title, estate, or significant fortune, especially when there are no male heirs in traditional succession.

Example

"The young heiress donated a large portion of her family's estate to establish a public art museum."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for heiress

Word Nuance & Usage

The initial 'h' in 'heiress' is silent (/ˈɛərɪs/), so it takes the indefinite article 'an' ('an heiress') rather than 'a'. In modern legal contexts, the gender-neutral 'heir' is generally preferred, while 'heiress' is frequently used in media and popular culture to describe a woman who inherits vast wealth.

• Rhymes for heiress

• Nearby Words

heinous
heinousness
heir
heiress
heirless
heirloom
heirloom rose

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from 'heir' (from Anglo-Norman 'heir' and Latin 'heres', meaning an inheritor) combined with the feminine suffix '-ess'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heiress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heiress
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.