heirloom

noun heir·loom \ ˈer-ˌlüm \

Updated on: 15 May 2018

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

See heirloom defined for kids

Recent Examples of heirloom from the Web

By moving most of iFest from an outside venue to the Centre, exhibitors can feel safe that their cultural and family heirloom artifacts, clothing and other items will be protected from the weather, Center said.

— janelle walker, Elgin Courier-News, "Elgin's ifest set for this weekend with new date, location," 3 May 2018
That gives Frick access to the same heirloom varieties the Crums supply to more than two dozen of Kansas City’s independent restaurants.

— anne brockhoff, kansascity, "Is your cocktail in season? Bartenders letting gardens dictate what's in your glass | The Kansas City Star," 23 Apr. 2018
Her designs incorporate snippets of heirloom letters on necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and even cuff links for around $50-100.

— jessica leigh mattern, Country Living, "This Woman Transformed Her Grandparents' Vintage Love Letters Into Gorgeous Jewelry," 14 Feb. 2017
With his portion of the proceeds, Mr. Fritz, a percussionist and D.J., hoped to rent a new home with enough space for his music gear and decades of family furniture, heirlooms and antiques.

— joyce cohen, New York Times, "Fitting the Contents of a Family Home Into a Rental," 19 Apr. 2018
Thank you for attending these shows and encouraging the dealers and collectors to keep the spirit of heirlooms alive!

— brenda yenke, cleveland.com, "Splendors of green at Chagrin Falls Antique Show: Yenke Peddler antiques," 15 Mar. 2018
The veil came in at an impressive 153 yards, and the tiara Diana wore was an heirloom from the 1700s, according to Town and Country.

— Southern Living, "5 Things We Loved About Princess Diana's Dress," 9 Mar. 2018
Hinting that heirloom beans, prawns and caviar may be ingredients, Tower concurred.

— debbie arrington, sacbee, "Tower brings charm, celebrity to Sacramento's Farm-to-Fork plans | The Sacramento Bee," 12 Apr. 2018
Get an immersive lesson in the origins and history of maíz, or heirloom corn, and take a tortilla-making class at Enrique Olvera’s restaurant Criollo.

— ashlea halpern, The Cut, "12 Epic, All-Inclusive Honeymoon Itineraries," 11 Apr. 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.

Origin and Etymology of heirloom

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

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

HEIRLOOM Defined for English Language Learners

heirloom

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