heirloom

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 Photos and documents could be destroyed and family heirlooms sold at auction. — cleveland, "5 financial tasks you should finish by year-end," 26 Dec. 2019 Five feet down in a pit at a wooded grove on Quadra Island, Daryl Fedje is handing up stone tools with the good cheer of someone hauling heirlooms out of grandmother’s trunk in the attic. — Rafal Gerszak, Smithsonian, "It’s one of the greatest mysteries of our time. But archaeologists and even geneticists are closer than ever to understanding when humans made the first bold journey to the Americas," 19 Dec. 2019 Best of all, the lucky recipient will be one of just nine people to own the heirloom-worthy pièce de résistance. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "11 Swoon-Worthy Beauty Gifts for the Friend Who Has Everything," 12 Dec. 2019 Like Kate's royal heirloom tiara, her sash and brooch aren't the type of items that can be found in a store. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Kate Middleton Wore Her Royal Family Order and Royal Victorian Order Sash to the Diplomatic Reception," 11 Dec. 2019 The two claim Collins seized several thousands of dollars worth of personal items, as well as family heirlooms and the ashes of a dead great-grandfather. — Phil Davis, baltimoresun.com, "Landlord evicted Baltimore tenants, seized their property a day before they planned to move, suit says," 19 Nov. 2019 Photos and documents could be destroyed and family heirlooms sold at auction. — Liz Weston, chicagotribune.com, "Liz Weston: 5 financial tasks you should tackle by year-end," 18 Nov. 2019 Chef Jose Alarcon of Popol Vuh and Centro highlights heirloom maize from his native Mexico to make tortillas and tetelas. — Nancy Ngo, Twin Cities, "New TPT series highlights local chefs’ cultural cuisines," 16 Nov. 2019 Does your family have a favorite holiday side dish or an heirloom recipe that someone has to make every holiday? — courant.com, "Community News For The South Windsor Edition," 8 Nov. 2019

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about heirloom

Dictionary Entries near heirloom

Statistics for heirloom

Last Updated

9 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Heirloom.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heirloom. Accessed 22 January 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for heirloom

heirloom

noun