heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

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

Several heirloom apple trees embellish the landscape. —Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025

Acre’s 25-acre farm grows everything from guava and figs to heirloom tomatoes, chiles, and herbs—ingredients that shape the menu across the main restaurant, the bar, and even Fausto’s, the resort’s casual ramen-meets-breakfast spot near the entrance. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Look for hybrid and heirloom seeds for more color variety in carrots. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2025

Pro tip: The farm also has fresh asparagus and heirloom leaf lettuce available through early May. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2025

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 1

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