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

Or the instant-heirloom Smythson journal that, at the end of the year, is worthy of archiving rather than recycling? — Vogue, "The Best Planners for 2019: Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Hyper-Organized Friend," 9 Nov. 2018 The entry hall’s Saarinen table is from Design Within Reach, the bench has a seat in a David Hicks by Ashley Hicks fabric, and the antique child’s chair is a family heirloom. — Sara Ruffin Costello, ELLE Decor, "A New Orleans Manse is Given New Life with a Fashionable Pizzazz," 26 Oct. 2018 Princess Diana broke from tradition, however, choosing to wear an heirloom from her family—the Spencer Tiara— instead of one of the Queen's tiaras. — Tamara Abraham, Harper's BAZAAR, "Princess Eugenie's Wedding Tiara Was Surprisingly Similar to Meghan Markle's," 12 Oct. 2018 Make this bewitching display at home by first hollowing a green heirloom pumpkin. — Woman's Day Staff, Woman's Day, "50+ Creative Pumpkin Carving Ideas for Halloween," 25 July 2018 The weapons became heirlooms, passed down through generations, and few gifts in Japan were greater. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018 Arrange heirloom tomatoes on plate and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Heirloom Tomato Salad," 21 June 2018 Amazing heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn are in their prime and take main stage on our menu. — Dana Mcmahan, The Courier-Journal, "How Louisville chefs re-imagine menus when you're just too hot to eat," 3 July 2018 Luscious heirloom tomatoes over milky sweet burrata are a snowbird’s delight in winter. — Craig Laban, Philly.com, "Orlando's best dining thrills are outside the parks," 22 June 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.