heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

1

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

2

: 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

3

: 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

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the years since, Kate has made the heirlooms part of her own wardrobe, continuing their story as the current Princess of Wales and wearing them on multiple royal engagements. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026

Tiers of Joy turns clients’ old china into functional, custom serving stands that double as works of art and new family heirlooms. — Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026

Greenrow Liona Twisted Bar Cart To find that heirloom quality of Victorian design lore, look no further than Greenrow’s Liona bar cart with Barley twist legs to charm you an dyour guests. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026

Billboard across from Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick, Massachusetts, offering a reward for a missing family heirloom ring. — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

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 3

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