heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

1

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

2

: 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

3

: 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

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The open shelves hold Morgan’s decades-old bowls from Pottery Barn as well as the Calyx Ware Lowestoft china that is a family heirloom. — Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 22 Aug. 2026

Many members of the royal family choose to keep their history alive through heirloom jewelry. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2026

Today was asparagus, but I was torn between heirloom tomato or zucchini versions, too. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

The brand is switching from blue to stone-ground yellow corn tortillas for its tacos, but the signature totopos will continue to be made from the heirloom blue corn. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ayre lome, heyr lome, from ayre, heyr heir entry 1 + lome "implement" — more at loom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for heirloom

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 

ˈe(ə)r-

: a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation