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 recipe got another big moment to shine when the Longview, Texas, native shared the family heirloom recipe again in her April 2023 cookbook, Y'all Eat Yet?. —Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025

Beyond adding depth and personality to each room, the collection delivers an heirloom feel that the owners say was critical to making the space feel like home. —Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 17 Jan. 2025

The Brazilian architect’s shapes matched with the lightness of linen, blended with heirloom fabrics; the fluid silhouettes, and rich textures of the collection. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

The more people growing each heirloom, the stronger the chain of conservation becomes, especially against the brutal backdrop of modern-day diversity loss. —Margaret Roach, New York Times, 15 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 

ˈe(ə)r-

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