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

In the modern age, that stature has waned—too often these instruments sit silent, heirlooms gathering dust, relics of the past without resonance in the present. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025

Paine would smile to see his favorite heirloom, the skeptical worldview, still intact. —Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025

At family reunions, her quilts were raffled off, not just as blankets but as heirlooms, woven with memories. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025

There’s also a standout chore jacket with tonal hand-stitching, giving a nod to heirloom denim pieces. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Oct. 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