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

Lodge makes some of the best cast-iron cookware available, and when cared for properly, these super-durable pans can become a family heirloom that lasts for generations. —Laura Denby, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2024

On Top Chef, Pomeroy competed for Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit based near Decorah, Iowa, that preserves heirloom plant varieties. —Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 July 2024

What’s available: Seeds for California native wildflowers, vegetables, fruit, heirloom varieties and hybrids Library of Things Browsing through a Library of Things collection is like shopping at an eclectic mall — except everything is free. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 14 July 2024

For instance, there’s a new Insalata Primavera with baby carrots, English peas, fava beans, radish, fennel, cucumber, heirloom cherry tomatoes and parsley lemon vinaigrette. —Lily O'Neill, The Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 

ˈe(ə)r-

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