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

Getty Images According to French newspaper Le Parisian, police in Paris opened an investigation this week into the theft of a heirloom ring belonging to Countess Olympia von Arco-Zinneberg. — Ineye Komonibo, Marie Claire, "A 40-Carat Diamond Once Belonging to Empress Eugenie Was Stolen In Paris," 5 Apr. 2019 Topping 2 to 3 heirloom carrots 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon green onions, sliced 3 cloves garlic, roasted and diced 1 tablespoon olive oil Preheat oven to 350 degrees. — Nancy Miller, The Courier-Journal, "Ciao Ristorante is Italian food with the ultimate Sicilian twist," 3 July 2018 Overlapping sheets of nearly translucent kohlrabi hide a treasure of heirloom carrots and hazelnut-pistachio crumble. — Phil Vettel, chicagotribune.com, "Review: Band of Bohemia's chef Ian Davis is a name to watch," 16 Mar. 2018 For the first course, guests can choose from cured Faroe Island salmon, fall squash veloute and a vegetarian chioggia beet and heirloom carrot salad. — Audrey Gorden, RedEye Chicago, "Ring in the Jewish New Year with these Rosh Hashana specials," 18 Sep. 2017 Big Zac Tomato: Bred by a New Jersey gardener from two heirloom varieties, Big Zacs can grow four- to six-pound fruits. — Robin Tribble, Popular Mechanics, "How to Grow a Giant Pumpkin," 24 Jan. 2019 Types of Butternut Squash: Honeybaby, Waltham Delicata Squash This heirloom variety has cream and green-striped oblong fruits about 3 inches wide and 6 inches long. — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "16 Types of Squash and Everything You Need to Know About Them," 28 Dec. 2018 The poster child for heirloom-tomato mania, Brandywine is a fickle sort. — Craig Lehoullier, Good Housekeeping, "The 19 Most Delicious Heirloom Tomatoes in the World," 8 Aug. 2018 Family heirlooms and collectible items are great ways to celebrate your history. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Genevieve Gorder Shares How To Decorate For The Holidays Without Breaking The Bank," 13 Nov. 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.