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 stars of the show are thick slices of heirloom tomatoes, but they’re complemented by other spoils of the season like fresh field peas, okra, and herbs. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 8 June 2025

Green-Wood families often donate heirlooms, but Richman, the historian, also buys pieces on eBay. —Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

Burglars clean out father-son jewelers, snatch heirlooms, ‘a lifetime’s worth of work.’ More big stories Three more wolf packs confirmed in California as ranchers call for relief. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2025

Oliver Peoples are designed to last for a lifetime, meaning these opticals are basically heirlooms in the making. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 14 May 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