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 Summer is celebrated with this spectacular veg tart topped with buffalo mozzarella, feta, heirloom tomatoes, pea pods, spring onions and corn flowers. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 6 May 2022 The variety of heirloom tomatoes is Foster Hill’s specialty. — Steve Smith, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2022 Farmed fish is available year-round, but similar to peaches or heirloom tomatoes, wild fish shifts dramatically in flavor and availability over the seasons. — Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 22 Apr. 2022 Bringing that heirloom variety back into use was purposeful. — New York Times, 25 Oct. 2021 The sale features heirloom and conventional flowers, shrubs and vegetables. — Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2022 Kate has worn the heirloom earrings on several occasions in the past, including to attend the BAFTAs, and to the christening of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison. — Vogue, 26 Apr. 2022 Park staff researched to find heirloom variety seeds close to what the Lincoln family might have grown while living at the Knob Creek Farm, the statement said. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 25 Apr. 2022 Then stop at Fabrikat for heirloom home goods from legacy European manufacturers before boarding a 50-minute train to Lucerne. — Ryan Haase, WSJ, 21 Apr. 2022 See More

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.