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

With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, khaki trenches from Frame, Prada, and TWP are heirlooms in the making, with delightful details including exaggerated shoulders, bold belts, and bomber-like silhouettes. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

These span from the luxurious to the wallet-conscious but are all united by top-notch quality worthy of your finest heirloom pieces. —Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025

The Super Bowl champion Eagles just showed us how important great blocking is, and Miami’s need is accentuated by having a quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa who is made of porcelain and must be protected like an heirloom vase sitting high on a narrow shelf. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 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