heirloom

noun

heir·loom | \ ˈer-ˌlüm

Definition of heirloom

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

Tromboncino Squash The slender, curvy fruits of this Italian heirloom are firm and less seedy than many types. — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "16 Types of Squash and Everything You Need to Know About Them," 28 Dec. 2018 But the touching story behind the gorgeous heirloom has a value that can never be measured. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Prince Philip's Family Made a Huge Sacrifice for Queen Elizabeth's Engagement Ring," 25 Aug. 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no shortage of family heirlooms to one day pass on to their children. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "The Sweet Connection Meghan Markle's Favorite Watch Has to the Late Princess Diana," 13 Aug. 2018 The nine-bedroom property, located in Hill Country, is also home to a 42-acre USDA Certified organic farm that specializes in heirloom fruits and seasonal vegetables. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "7 Hotels That Will Help You Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions," 14 Dec. 2018 The heirloom was first made in 1914 by high-end jeweler Garrand for Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II's grandmother, according to Town & Country. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kate Middleton Wears the Lover's Knot Tiara to the Queen's 2018 Diplomatic Reception," 4 Dec. 2018 Kate had paired her heirloom jewels with an equally sparkly gown by Jenny Packham. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Kate Middleton Stuns in a Sparkling Jenny Packham Gown and the Lover's Knot Tiara," 4 Dec. 2018 Of course, the real show-stopping styling choice came in the form of Diana’s bright aquamarine heirloom ring. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Re-Wore Her Wedding Day Tribute to Princess Diana for a State Dinner in Tonga," 25 Oct. 2018 Weiss then pulled an heirloom ring from his suit pocket as Svendsen made her way up to the stage. — Andrea Park, Allure, "Director Glenn Weiss Proposed to His Girlfriend During His 2018 Emmy Awards Acceptance Speech," 17 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heirloom.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.