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 daughter of a Vermont assisted living facility patient noticed that her parent’s missing heirloom jewelry had vanished last year. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025

The family heirloom is at the heart of the conflict between Boy Willie, who wants to sell the piano to buy land to grow cotton on, and Berniece, his sister, who doesn’t, not for any reason or price. —Robert Ito, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024

Expect vintage touches like antiques and heirlooms to trend in 2025 as well. —Terri Williams, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

And these family heirlooms don't always have to be a super delicate set of plates or tea cups. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 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