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

The poolside restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy al fresco treats such as a margarita flatbread with heirloom tomatoes or a cocktail. —Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Loading your audio article HARTFORD — Like the love of baseball, this voicemail has become a family heirloom. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025

The thing about an opulent clutch designed to resemble an heirloom tomato and an actual heirloom tomato is that both are objects of beauty. —Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025

Future heirlooms, watches with timeless appeal and exceptional craftsmanship, are always in demand. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for heirloom

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 

ˈe(ə)r-

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