heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

1

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

2

: 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

3

: 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

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some de rigueur pencil skirts and shearlings fashioned as heirloom furs. —José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026

The Grey uses brown rice and heirloom Sea Island red peas, and the dish reminds Bailey of something her grandmother or great grandmother would make. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 17 May 2026

Take this flatbread as a base (there’s a lot of crust) and then add sliced heirloom tomatoes, spinach, olives, feta cheese… the list goes on. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 15 May 2026

Moments later, the security cameras captured the suspects rushing out Avetyan's door with pillowcases stuffed with jewelry, handbags and family heirlooms, such as her grandfather's watch. —Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 12 May 2026

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 3

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