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

Here, some spectators can be seen quaffing beer and eating a corn dog, while others sip Champagne in box seats while wearing an heirloom fur coat and $5,000 boots custom-made by Northside’s M.L. Leddy’s. — Alina Dizik, WSJ, "As Homebuyers Flock In, Fort Worth Embraces its Cowtown Reputation," 17 Jan. 2019 These heat-tolerant Mexican heirlooms are fast growers. — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "16 Types of Squash and Everything You Need to Know About Them," 28 Dec. 2018 Some distillers might talk about the limestone water that runs through their property, or the heirloom crops in their mash. — Francine Maroukian, Popular Mechanics, "The Most Unheralded Berry Is Coming To Your Liquor Cabinet," 28 Dec. 2018 Gather valuable paperwork, jewelry, and small family heirlooms. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Follow This Weekly Moving Checklist for a Smooth, Stress-Free Transition," 5 Dec. 2018 Assembled by the Grammy Museum in its first project honoring a classical musician, the exhibition has film clips, scores, heirlooms and more. — Richard S. Ginell, latimes.com, "Leonard Bernstein at the Skirball: 10 objects from the life of a genius," 22 June 2018 Tromboncino Squash The slender, curvy fruits of this Italian heirloom are firm and less seedy than many types. — Arricca Sansone, Country Living, "16 Types of Squash and Everything You Need to Know About Them," 28 Dec. 2018 But the touching story behind the gorgeous heirloom has a value that can never be measured. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Prince Philip's Family Made a Huge Sacrifice for Queen Elizabeth's Engagement Ring," 25 Aug. 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no shortage of family heirlooms to one day pass on to their children. — Maggie Maloney, Town & Country, "The Sweet Connection Meghan Markle's Favorite Watch Has to the Late Princess Diana," 13 Aug. 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.