heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

1

: a piece of property (such as a deed or charter) that descends to the heir as an inseparable part of an inheritance of real property

2

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

3

: a variety of plant that has originated under cultivation and that has survived for several generations usually due to the efforts of private individuals

heirloom tomatoes

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Combine new pieces with heirlooms—I’ll be wearing our diamond Double Star earrings and Star brooch with a pair of Art Deco family diamond bracelets. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Other items, such as a collection of greeting cards attached to a bulletin board filled with buttons, paper hearts and photo booth pictures, demonstrate the importance of her few family heirlooms. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

Throughout the home are striking art pieces from Ryan Hewitt, along with family heirlooms, custom furniture, and metalwork, and, just off the entry, a motorcycle. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2024

The heirloom piano was previously owned by a man named Sutter, who enslaved Berniece and Boy Willie’s relatives. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ayre lome, heyr lome, from ayre, heyr heir entry 1 + lome "implement" — more at loom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 

ˈe(ə)r-

: a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation