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

For the classic, stick with your family’s heirloom recipe or our Test Kitchen’s best. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2025

The signature bowl, which includes Rancho Gordo heirloom beans, poblano peppers, burrata, Parmesan, oregano and sourdough bread in its autumn iteration, is now $17 instead of its original $21. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025

Other armor-like styles included statement jackets, a hallmark of the brand, that were crafted to be heirloom pieces. —Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025

Regardless, this current fleet of modern heirlooms is sure to gleam on the water long after more tenuous trends have faded. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 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