Heir/er/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context Often used in legal scenarios concerning wills, estates or succession rights. As the eldest child, he was the primary heir to the family mansion. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Family Heirs are usually family members but can also be friends or organizations. The charity was named as his heir, surprising his relatives. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity Heir traditions can vary widely by culture; some societies prioritize male heirs. In her culture, the title of 'heir' could not pass to a daughter.