heres: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / ObsoleteHistorical / Legal / Archaic / Dialectal
Quick answer
What does “heres” mean?
The plural form of 'here', used in certain historical or specialised contexts to refer to multiple inheritances or estates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'here', used in certain historical or specialised contexts to refer to multiple inheritances or estates.
In historical legal or ecclesiastical contexts (especially UK), a plural term for a type of inheritance or estate. In modern usage, can be encountered as a very rare or archaic plural of 'here' in dialectal or poetic contexts, but this is extremely unusual.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'heres' might be marginally more recognisable in historical/legal contexts due to the persistence of older common law terminology. In American English, the term is even less known outside of academic historical study.
Connotations
Strongly archaic or technical. Use would sound either poetic/affected or like a specialist discussing historical documents.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Near-zero frequency in contemporary corpora.
Grammar
How to Use “heres” in a Sentence
[determiner] + heresthe + heres + of + [place/person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heres” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- "Come hither, come heres," the old verse read.
American English
- In the dialect poem, 'overs and heres' were contrasted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possible in historical, legal, or linguistic papers discussing archaic forms or medieval land tenure.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be misunderstood as a misspelling of 'here's' (here is).
Technical
Possible in very narrow historical legal terminology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “heres”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “heres”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heres”
- Using it as a modern plural for 'here' (e.g., 'Put the books heres').
- Confusing it with the contraction "here's".
- Assuming it is a standard English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'heres' is recorded as an archaic or dialectal plural, it is not used in modern standard English. The standard adverb 'here' does not have a plural form.
Almost everyone will read it as the contraction 'here's' (here is).
Only in very specific contexts, such as quoting an old text, writing historical fiction with deliberate archaism, or in a technical discussion of historical linguistics. Otherwise, avoid it.
No, it is etymologically unrelated. 'Heresy' comes from a Greek word meaning 'choice' or 'sect', while 'heres' in the legal sense relates to 'heir' and inheritance.
The plural form of 'here', used in certain historical or specialised contexts to refer to multiple inheritances or estates.
Heres is usually historical / legal / archaic / dialectal in register.
Heres: in British English it is pronounced /hɪəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HER ES-tates' – 'Her' plus the start of 'estates' – to remember the archaic plural for inherited estates.
Conceptual Metaphor
INHERITANCE IS A PHYSICAL LOCATION (the 'heres' being the places/properties inherited).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you legitimately encounter the word 'heres'?