heirloom

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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

See heirloom defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of heirloom from the Web

Lawton’s Antiques Roadshow Receive a general history appraisal of an antique, collectible, jewelry or heirloom from John Caplan Harris of Caplan’s Auction Company.

— Washington Post, "Montgomery County community calendar", 31 May 2017
Those tortilla makers use only heirloom corn from Mexico.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Should white chefs sell burritos? Appropriation vs. ambassadorship", 29 May 2017
The people who buy heirloom tomatoes at Whole Foods, like the consumers who wear Stewart + Brown sweaters, aren't just buying a product.

— daniel h. pink, WIRED, "Rise of The Neo-Greens", 1 May 2006

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.

Origin and Etymology of heirloom

Middle English heirlome, from heir + lome implement — more at loom

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

HEIRLOOM Defined for English Language Learners

heirloom

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noun

Definition of heirloom for English Language Learners

: a valuable object that is owned by a family for many years and passed from one generation to another
: an old type of plant that is still available because individual people have continued to grow it for many years